772.00/2–353: Telegram
The Consul General at Tunis (Jones) to the Department of State1
244. 1. Resident General returned last week from 18-day consultation Paris with assurances that (a) his policy of firm hand to control disorders endorsed, (b) new French Government prepared go farther when Franco-Tunisian conversations resumed than 1952 reform program, and (c) start negotiations and their pace dependent on Tunisian willingness cooperate faithfully with French in seeking settlement.
2. Following is summary these points as outlined informally by Grellet in frank talk February 2 (despatch follows):2
- a.
- Resident General determined not to release potential troublemakers prematurely and thus jeopardize important municipal and caidal elections. Political detainee situation continuing study but little prospect releases while current bomb attacks continue.
- b.
- Mayer and Bidault both personally acquainted with Bey and Tunisian leaders, feel time for settlement approaching. French Government in proper circumstances would, therefore, abandon last year’s rigid concept re seven-point reform program (“this far can France go and no further”) and substitute notion that “more cooperative Tunisians are, more they will get”. Palace has intimated to Resident General that Bey will soon propose resumption of dialogue by direct conversations rather than mixed commission. Re substance, Bidault acknowledges importance Tunisian face-saving; hence, will not insist Bey seal five remaining decrees last year’s program, but willing consider Tunisian suggestions re even far-reaching changes. For example, Paris might be prepared yield considerably on two thorny issues: (a) “homogeneity” of Tunisian Cabinet and (b) Civil Service positions reserved for French. Ref (a) principle of parity has in fact already been abandoned; in addition, French might replace their PTT and Housing-Reconstruction Directors by Tunisians thus making Cabinet line up 9 to 4 instead of 7 to 6. Public Works eventually might have Tunisian head with French Deputy having wide powers, as part of general government reorganization. On Civil Service reform, instead of reserving over 200 specified higher posts for French, competitive examinations open to both French and Tunisians envisaged together with virtual elimination of French jobholders from lower categories. French hope these steps will go far assauge Tunisian sensibilities. Groundwork for more liberal approach now being laid carefully and even Colonna reported favorable provided protection French interests guaranteed.
- c.
- French Government now feels more strongly than predecessor that legislative council should be elected from onset. (Bey had proposed appointive council to be replaced gradually by elected members.)
- d.
- French Government not disposed yield on principle Franco-Tunisian parity for financial council because this essential to insure workable budgetary procedure.
3. Grellet repeatedly emphasized that he was describing thought trends rather than decisions and said much depends on attitude Tunisians: If bombs stop and French meet with Tunisian cooperation he thought French might be prepared go even further than points he outlined. Residency now possesses room to maneuver when talks are resumed and this is new element.
4. Comment: Particularly encouraging are two aspects Bidault’s thinking:
(1) Former rigidity being abandoned, and (2) French now appear to appreciate importance to Tunisians of psychological factors. (See Tunis despatch 203 of January 22.)3
We think there is fair chance that tact, consideration for saving Tunisian face, and granting of the shadow of power (while retaining as much substance of power as necessary) may succeed where less flexible and imaginative approaches failed. How these intelligent ideas will stand up against the multiple attack of ND legal rights, French Nationals in Tunisia, politicians in Paris and the egregious sniping of the Arab-Asians remains to be seen. As of now, the ideas which the Resident General brought back from Paris are still untested but he is prepared to move as soon as Bey is ready.