772.00/3–2852: Telegram

The Ambassador in France ( Dunn ) to the Department of State 1

secret

5969. In accordance with Schuman’s promise this morn2 to keep us fully informed re Tunisian developments, Latournelle this afternoon confirmed to Bonsal content of joint communiqué covering interview between Bey and Hauteclocque as carried on AFP ticker and drew Emb’s attn to Hauteclocque’s press conf describing successful outcome of interview.

In reply to question Latournelle stated there had been no discussions between Bey and Hauteclocque of possible withdrawal of SC submittal as had been reported by one press agency. French view on this is that submittal was made without proper Beylical auth and therefore has no legal standing from strictly Tunisian point of view.

Latournelle expressed hope Bey wld now proceed together with his new PriMin to appoint Tun members of mixed commission which will draw up reform program beginning April 24. Latournelle also stated copy of reform proposals had been sent to Bonnet for distribution to Amer newspaperman but such distribution must be held up because Bey has some question re proposal for popularly elected Tunisian assembly. Bey apparently leans toward appointive assembly. French Govt is therefore holding up fully publication of reform proposals pending agreement with Bey. These proposals will apparently be put in form of draft legis and decrees and submitted to mixed commission for discussion and agreement.

Latournelle expressed satis at outcome today’s conversation and optimism for future. He stressed point made by Hauteclocque in press [Page 702] conf to effect former Mins might shortly be released from present place of confinement and added in his opinion it was to be hoped confinement of Bourguiba and others cld also be terminated fairly soon and state of siege lifted.

Dunn
  1. This telegram was repeated to Tunis, Tangier, and Rabat.
  2. See footnote 3, supra .