Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

651.72/11–2351: Telegram

The Consul General at Tunis (Jernegan) to the Department of State ¹

confidential

Tunis, November 23, 1951—noon.

33. Request Dept and Emb Paris consider whether state our relations with Fr Govt will not permit informal expression of hope that France will go far as possible meet current Tunisian nationalist request.² (Paris tel 2934, Nov 16³) Believe we cld take position this seems moment conciliatory tactics to prevent future troubles, prove Western good faith toward dependent peoples and help counteract growing impression Western states always oppose Arab aspirations. Progressive step at this time may save us embarrassment of another UN debate re North Africa or even more awkward situation.

Since Tunisian case not before UN and since most Tunisian nationalists showing restraint pending outcome present conversations Paris, France cld give ground without appearing to act under pressure or giving impression weakness.

Of course Fr shld not relinquish essential elements of control but there is still long way to go in polit reforms before that point is reached.

Suggest it appropriate and possibly most effective for Secy Acheson say few words Schuman in course contacts arising out of UNGA session,⁴ possibly referring prior conversation Washington re Morocco.

For latest background see my desps 182, Nov 14 and 189, Nov 21.⁵

Jernegan

1. Repeated to Paris and to the United States Delegation at the United Nations.

2. In mid-October Tunisian Prime Minister Chenik and French Resident General Perillier travelled to Paris where they engaged in negotiations with officials of the French Government regarding Tunisian nationalist aspirations and possible reforms in French-Tunisian relations. In his despatch 189, November 21, from Tunis, Jernegan reported in some detail on the current status of these Franco-Tunisian political negotiations. Jernegan observed that the negotiations were seemingly approaching the critical point when the French Government would have to make some reply to the Tunisian proposals for reforms. Jernegan reported that Neo-Destour leader Nouri Boudali had approached him with the proposal that the United States undertake some sort of informal démarcheto induce France to grant satisfactory concessions to the Tunisians. Jernegan concluded his despatch with the following recommendation:

   “I recommend that the Department consider carefully whether the present situation does not justify an informal approach to the French government with a definite expression of hope that it will go as far as possible in granting Tunisian desires. We could base our remarks on the undeniable interest of the United States in preserving tranquility not only in North Africa but in the whole Moslem world. We do not want to be confronted with another Moroccan case in the UN, to embarrass our relations with the Near East and South Asia. We need not, and probably should not, make specific suggestions, but we can let it be known that we are most anxious to avoid the building up of any more trouble spots.” (651.72/11–2151)

3. Not printed.
4. Secretary Acheson and Foreign Minister Schuman headed their respective delegations to the Sixth Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly which opened in Paris on November 6.
5. Neither printed.