772.00/4–152: Telegram
The Consul General at Tunis (Jernegan) to the Department of State1
137. Current security measures including state of siege and press censorship driven nationalist agitation underground for time being, atmosphere here is outwardly calm and harmonious as between Fr and Tunis. However, we have had evidence during past few days in form of res, motions etc. delivered at Consulate that various nationalist groups are far from happy about development leading to Baccouche appointment and are by no means remaining politically inactive.
Group ostensibly representing “all shades Tunisian opinion” addressed motion to ResGen March 26 protesting arrest and exile of cab, coercion of Bey, martial law and disorders allegedly stemming therefrom and demanded immed change Fr policy in order normalize Franco-Tunisian relations. Document which was also communicated to Bey for his info, signed by 19 orgs including Neo-Destour, Old Destour, UGTT, UGAT, UCAT, professors of Grand Mosque, Young Moslems Assn, Tunisian Chambers of Commerce and Agri, lawyers etc.
Similar doc signed by Tahar Benamar on behalf same groups March 29 also declared present situation cld not be considered solution [Page 708] to Tunisian problem, that Tunisian people cannot be bound by UN rep cab and that they will continue struggle for their just claims.
Neo-Destour has likewise protested Fr policy and intimidation, characterized arrest Chenik Min as flagrant breach Tunisian sovereignty and disavowed legality of any new cab created under these circumstances. Copy this document signed and sealed by Hedi Nouira, Neo-Destour Asst SecGen, delivered to ConGen.
UGTT also chimed in as above and ordered gen protest strike April 1 motion, signed and sealed by Asst SecGen Boudali also delivered to ComGen.
While ResGen apparently intends lift state of siege soon as possible, nationalist activities as reflected by foregoing may be deemed sufficiently threatening to warrant postponement restoration normal admin of country.
- This telegram was repeated to Paris, Rabat, and Algiers.↩