772.00/2–852: Telegram

The Consul General at Tunis (Jernegan) to the Department of State1

confidential

107. In conversation with me today Boisseson was pessimistic about prospects early solution Tunisian impasse. Said recent acts and statements Tunisian leaders have brought him to conclusion they do not want resume negots on reasonable basis. Thinks they may have decided to go for all or nothing, on theory that if they get nothing now their position as patriots and possibly martyrs will be so strong that [Page 676] in year or two internatl pressures will force France concede what they ask.

Boisseson analyzed sitn as fols:

(1)
Since arrival Hauteclocque Tunisians have done nothing facilitate resumption conversations. On contrary, they sent appeal to UN on very day of his arrival and have stiffened rather than softened their demands. It has been difficult for Res Gen even to see Bey.
(2)
They have failed acknowledge softening of Fr position since Dec 15 note, in such things as disavowal cosovereignty, dropping of insistence to prolongation Grand Council, agrmt to discuss legislative, exec and admin reforms at same time.2
(3)
By insisting on prior assurances re nonparticipation of Fr in Tunisian exec and legislature they are, in effect, demanding satisfaction on substance of negots before negots even begin.
(4)
Bourguiba continues to call for violence and in face of this, French cannot reduce security forces or release nationalist leaders, yet Tunisians demand just such action as prerequisite to negots.
(5)
Recent violence and continuing Tunisian intransigence have made Fr colons and many Fr politicians still less disposed grant concessions, yet some concessions must eventually be made to Tunisians. Fr Govt and Res Gen are placed between devil and deep sea.

In absence change of Tunisian attitude, Boisseson suggested best hope of breaking impasse lies in change of TUCA, replacing present Mins with men not personally responsible for UN appeal and other acts objectionable to Fr. New men might represent same polit viewpoints and groups as the old; for example, Hedi Nouira might replace Ben Youssef as Neo-Destour rep, but it would be easier for Fr auths to deal with them. Concessions made to them would be less objectionable to Fr colony and people than if made to Chenik Cabinet. He admitted, however, such change would be difficult to effect. Also admitted that Fr would not insist on change if way could be found resume discussions without it.

Said Fr still want Tunisian Cabinet withdraw its UN appeal, but do not consider that so important now that complaint being taken up by other state.

Jernegan
  1. This telegram was repeated to Paris.
  2. See the editorial note, supra.