772.00/2–2252: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1

secret

4982. Ref Tunis 111 Feb 14,2 Paris tels 5031 Feb 153 and 5070 Feb 18,4 GADel tel 544 Feb 19.5

Dept has studied above series messages and commends offices concerned for helpful and thoughtful analysis Tunisian problem and agrees final para Tunis 111 and para 1 Paris 5031 that some substantive progress in near future Tunisian question essential in view situation existing there. Dept agrees with approach recommended by Emb Paris in last para Embtel 5031 and accordingly instructs Emb proceed along these lines taking into consideration following comments by Dept on specific sections Tunis tel 111.

Re numbered para 3:

We agree likely best hope keeping Tunisian case out of SC is by resumption de facto negots between Fr and Tunisians. If issue is posed in SC US Del wld be obliged follow traditional policy of not opposing discussion there as outlined Deptel Gadel 90G Feb 5 rpt Tunis 44.6

Re lettered paras under numbered para 5 Dept has following comments:

a.
Dept agrees legalization Nationalist parties desirable and release leaders prerequisite resumption negots.
b.
We agree with Emb suggestion re scope inquiry.
c.
Dept view is sovereignty remains with Tunisia and did not pass to Fr with Bardo Treaty.
d.
We think some statement along line set forth last sentence Emb comment this para provides logical solution. Very fact Bardo Treaty provides no means for adjustments nor any termination date appears further reason for Tunisians taking case UN. It is noted Tunisian Mins state all they wish is full observance treaties by Fr.
e.
We agree that having Tunisian majority in Cabinet is desirable principle.
f.
We agree with Tunis recommendation and hope Fr Govt will overcome Socialist objection on grounds natl interest.
g.
We agree with Emb that local assemblies presumably wld not satisfy Tunisians and therefore effort shld be made by Fr open discussions for creation both local and natl assemblies.
h.
We agree silence these matters advisable.

For Gross: Pending further discussions in Paris and consideration in Dept, we feel it inadvisable matter be discussed substantively in NY.7

Webb
  1. This telegram was drafted by McBride (WE), Richey (AF), and Elting (UNP). It was cleared with the offices of Bonbright (EUR), Byington (WE), Elting (UNP), Jones (UND), Hewitt (L/UNA), Allen (EUR/UN), and Bourgerie (AF). Bourgerie signed for Webb. The telegram was repeated to Tunis and USUN.
  2. Ante, p. 676.
  3. Supra.
  4. Not printed, but see footnote 4, supra.
  5. The editors have been unable to identify this reference.
  6. Not printed; it instructed the delegation to indicate, if the matter came up in discussions with other delegates, that the United States stood by its traditional position of not opposing discussions of any consequential matter in the United Nations. It also instructed the delegation to indicate informally to the Tunisians that the United States did not contemplate any unilateral action since the matter was being put into UN channels. (320/2–152)
  7. The following sentence in the original was deleted before transmission: “If you are approached by Fr or other dels, you shld in informal comment be guided by above.”