Allied military strategists needed to consider the political situation in North Africa, as well as external diplomatic political aspects. The Americans had recognised Pétain and the Vichy government in 1940, whereas the British did not and had recognised General Charles de Gaulle's French National Committee as a government-in-exile instead. North Africa was in support of Vichy, but that support was not universal among the population. The French population was divided into three groups: GaullistsDe Gaulle was the leader of the French National Committee. French Liberation Movement general Henri Giraud became its leader. The personal clash between and Giraud prevented the Free French Forces and the French Liberation Movement from unifying. Vichy French loyal to Marshal Philippe Pétain which believed collaboration with the Axis powers was the best method of ensuring the future of France. François Darlan was Pétain's designated successor.
Allied military strategists needed to consider the political situation in North Africa, as well as external diplomatic political aspects. The Americans had recognised Pétain and the Vichy government in 1940, whereas the British did not and had recognised General Charles de Gaulle's French National Committee as a government-in-exile instead. North Africa was in support of Vichy, but that support was not universal among the population. The French population was divided into three groups: GaullistsDe Gaulle was the leader of the French National Committee. French Liberation Movement general Henri Giraud became its leader. The personal clash between and Giraud prevented the Free French Forces and the French Liberation Movement from unifying. Vichy French loyal to Marshal Philippe Pétain which believed collaboration with the Axis powers was the best method of ensuring the future of France. François Darlan was Pétain's designated successor.