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

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

Washington, October 4, 1958—5 p.m.

346. Eyes only for Ambassador from Murphy. You will appreciate that in agreeing to ask you to coordinate with Gorse approach to Bourguiba on OSP (Deptel 347)² I was motivated by factors in French-American relations which extend beyond Tunisia and particularly by our recent difficulties with France on North African questions.

I hope therefore that you can arrange a joint approach to Bourguiba but believe you should contact latter in advance and explain frankly position we find ourselves in and request his cooperation in listening to joint presentation of OSP procedure.³ Please tell him that Department regrets⁴ extra few days delay involved but nature of our problems with French makes this exercise necessary. If you deem it useful, also express hope that he will deal with Gorse during interview in manner calculated avoid arousing French opposition⁵ on subject of arms.⁶

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.72/10–458. Top Secret; Niact. Drafted by Porter, cleared by Satterthwaite and S/S, and approved and signed for Herter by Murphy.
2. Telegram 347, October 4, reported that Alphand had informed Murphy the French Government was disturbed by Bourguiba’s refusal to accept French arms through offshore procurement and believed he did not understand the proposal. Alphand wished Jones to join Gorse in again presenting the idea to Bourguiba. Murphy had consented in order to cooperate with France. (Ibid., 772.56/10–458)
3. At this point in the source text, Murphy deleted the following sentence before transmission: “You may further state that if he takes position that he cannot accept supply of arms from France even under that procedure, US will proceed promptly to make available arms he has requested.”
4. At this point in the source text, Murphy deleted the words “I personally regret” and substituted “Department regrets” before transmission.
5. At this point in the source text, Murphy deleted the word “further” and substituted “opposition” before transmission.
6. Telegram 495 from Tunis, October 6, reported that Jones had spoken with Bourguiba, who had agreed to cooperate fully with the joint démarche. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.72/10–658) Telegram 512 from Tunis, October 8, reported that Gorse and Jones had met with Bourguiba who still refused to accept French arms from any source, including offshore procurement. (Ibid., 772.56/10–858) Jones recommended in telegrams 511 from Tunis, October 8 (ibid.), 517 from Tunis, October 9 (ibid., 772.56/10–958), and 542 from Tunis, October 14 (ibid., 611.72/10–1458), that the Department of State quickly reach a decision regarding Tunisia’s request for arms.