773.13/2–2454: Telegram
The Minister in Libya (Villard) to the Department of State1
277. In long private conversation at his home yesterday, Muntasser said his resignation was result of mounting Palace interference in governmental affairs and King’s unwillingness acquiesce in his suggestions for Cabinet reshuffle. Muntasser had brought matters to a head by asking King whether it would not be in best interests of country to accept his long-standing resignation and try change of government. Palace circles had been quick to exploit Prime Minister’s initiative and King’s decision had ensued with unexpected suddenness.
Muntasser said affairs of country both large and small were now wholly controlled by Palace. Present Cabinet had no will of its own. Saqizli was honest and sincere individual but did not even have rights and prerogatives of a private secretary in offering advice to King. Personal qualifications counted for nothing among Ministers who would carry out Palace wishes without debate or question. Muntasser believed assumption of supreme powers by Palace dangerous for King who must henceforth accept responsibility for failures as well as success of his policies.
Muntasser foresaw grave threat to unity of country in concentration of power in Cyrenaican hands. He was at total loss to comprehend why British apparently were unconcerned at possible consequences. Even if leadership presently lacking, moment was ripe for secession by Tripolitania, where resentment against King developing rapidly. Future of Fezzan in hands of pro-Egyptian vice Wali. Under circumstances he did not think United Kingdom of Libya could endure another year.
Muntasser expressed deep regret he was unable conclude United States agreement but saw no reason why negotiations should be appreciably delayed. He has no intention visit United States (Benghazi’s 39 to Department February 19)2 but will devote himself to personal affairs next few months. Question of his accepting diplomatic appointment remains undecided but in any case he would not wish serve [Page 582] abroad more than 6 months or 1 year. I have impression he intends biding his time until events again bring him into political picture.
Last act of Muntasser as Prime Minister was to submit question of federal powers to Supreme Court. This he did without knowledge or consent of King, whose resultant anger I believe may have been contributory factor in acceptance resignation.
Despatch follows.3
- This telegram was repeated to Frankfort for CINCEUR, London, Rome, Paris, Cairo, and Benghazi.↩
- Not printed; it reported a rumor that Muntasser intended to visit the United States for medical treatment. (873.41/2–1954)↩
- Despatch 381 from Tripoli, Feb. 25, gave a more detailed account of the conversation summarized in telegram 277. (773.13/2–2554)↩