Office of the Historian

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

Washington, February 19, 1958—8:41 p.m.

603. Department deeply disturbed by events reported Tunis’s 991, 995, and 9982 which indicate dangerously stiffening attitudes on both sides. Unless both French and Tunisians exercise restraint and moderation and desist, whatever real or fancied provocations, from actions which can only make situation worse, we are fearful that our exercise of good offices will at best be complicated and at worst frustrated.

Both Tunis and Paris should immediately make known our concern along foregoing lines to GOT and GOF at highest levels. They should continue make this clear in crucial days ahead. They should emphasize that Department has moved with all possible speed to designate high-ranking official (see separate telegram re Murphy’s designation)3 and that he is concerning himself with substance of problem on urgent basis. Meanwhile, we earnestly urge both parties refrain from actions which might worsen situation.

For Paris: We have just emphasized to Alphand necessity French Govt make immediate gesture toward GOT and stated we of opinion prompt regrouping of French forces from bases other than Bizerte essential in this connection.4 Latter was announced last Saturday5 by Claparede and to our knowledge, no steps have yet been taken implement this decision. You should stress foregoing immediately to Pineau and request info re GOF’s present intentions.

For Tunis: You may inform Bourguiba of this approach to GOF, at same time emphasizing need for secrecy. Would obviously be impossible GOF take this step if it appeared done so under U.S. pressure.6

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 651.72/2–1958. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Palmer, cleared by Elbrick, and approved and signed for Dulles by Murphy. Also sent to Paris and repeated to London and USUN.↩
  2. Telegrams 991 and 995, both February 18, and telegram 998, February 19, reported Tunisian anger that the French were trying to antagonize and provoke them. (Ibid., 651.72/2–1858 and 651.72/2–1958)↩
  3. Telegram 601 to Tunis, February 19. (Ibid., 110.13–MU/2–1958)↩
  4. See footnote 3, supra.↩
  5. February 15.↩
  6. Telegram 1005 from Tunis, February 20, reported that Ambassador Jones had spoken with Foreign Minister Mokaddem, who had responded constructively to his comments. (Department of State, Central Files, 651.72/2–2058)↩