772.00/2–751: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Bonsai) to the Department of State 2
4681. Reviewing present situation North Africa, La Tour du Pin, FonOff, deplored paradox in government’s policy toward protectorates: “Front populaire in Tunisia and action Francaise in Morocco.” He said Tunisians are treated as equals while Moroccans receive strong arm methods. He apparently disapproves of both extremes.
Perillier is submitting final draft Tunisian reforms today for approval Council of Ministers. Concessions made by French in negotiations with Beys ministers said to include abandonment visa Secretary General on decrees, assuring chairmanship Council of Ministers to Prime Minister and adopting immediate measures to increase Tunisians in administration. Secretary General Vimont is reported to have opposed certain changes and has tendered resignation. We were told that he will go to Rio de Janerio as counselor of Embassy. If present reforms accepted both by French and Tunisians, La Tour du Pin particularly apprehensive that situation country will worsen in view of virtual abandonment budgetary control by French.
Moroccan question being discussed by Juin and FonOff. We were told that Juin consulting President Auriol and problem would undoubtedly be thrashed out in Council of Ministers. We reiterated hope that solution would be found to reconcile differences between France and Sultan. La Tour du Pin intimated that events in Morocco itself might decide issues. He stated that reports received by FonOff indicate large majority Moroccans backing Glaoui and quoted figures that among 300 Pashas, Caids and notables wielding power, some 200 sided with Glaoui. This he added might lead to schism and eventual replacement of Sultan by Moroccans themselves.3
[Page 1397]In conclusion, La Tour du Pin rather gloomily predicted that North Africa would be chronic headache for many months to come and stated that he would not be its doctor for he had asked for transfer and was being given another post in FonOff.