Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Arab-Israeli Dispute; United Arab Republic; North Africa, Volume XIII

375. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Tunisia¹

Washington, February 12, 1958—6:51 p.m.

557. As you no doubt realize Department most gravely concerned by critical situation Tunisia and its effects throughout North Africa. Now appears Tunisia’s relations with France compromised for long time to come and her attitude toward West and US hanging in balance with greatly increased susceptibility Soviet and Egyptian support both political and economic which we do not doubt will be pressed upon Tunisians. Current Tunisian plans (such as those indicated your 918)² for Security Council action will prove acute embarrassment to US view mixed juridical aspects case and obvious likelihood Soviet will capitalize on matter to drive wedge between France and West and North Africa. Franco-Spanish operations Sahara and Ifni with MAP equipment if they materialize further serious adverse factor.

We bending every effort arrive at some possibility shoring up internal situation Tunisia while we work out new approach to Algerian question which is at root of general crisis in North Africa. This connection USOM will by now have received authorization respond favorably to GOT request for US contribution through PL–480³ public works program under certain conditions we hope will not prove onerous. (FYI. We also have additional $5 million earmarked from FY 1958 Special Assistance Funds for possible later use, if necessary. End FYI)

We realize great delicacy involved these offers if we hope avoid imputation trying “buy off” Tunisians on questions principle where our ability to support them tactically in UN or other public forum inhibited and will leave you maximum discretion as to timing and approach on aid question. In discussing PL 480 program or additional Special Assistance Funds (which you not yet authorized to offer) suggest you make clear by whatever means you deem best we offering aid solely in hope providing disinterested assistance and easing economic and social pressures on GOT, that we deeply sympathetic its various preoccupations and have no desire suggest such aid can fob off other fundamental political problems for whose solution we will continue work with renewed energy and in spirit friendship for Tunisia.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 651.72/2–1258. Secret. Drafted by Bovey; cleared by Torbert, Barnes, Dolgin, Belcher, and John H. Ohly, Deputy Director for Program and Planning, International Cooperation Administration and approved and signed for Herter by Palmer. Also sent to Paris and Rabat.
2. Telegram 918, February 12, reported Bourguiba planned to have Slim ask the U.N. Security Council to order all French troops to leave Tunisian soil. An appeal to the Security Council could be avoided only if the French Government consented on its own initiative to evacuate its troops from Tunisia. (Ibid.)
3. The authorization under reference has not been found. P.L. 480, Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act, was enacted July 10, 1954. (68 Stat. 454)