772.00/5–453: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State1
confidential
Paris, May 4, 1953—7
p.m.
5783. Re Tunisia, Basdevant, Foreign Office, tells us:
- (1)
- Following assassination Kastalli2 and attempted assassination Dr. Ben Rais, Minister of Commerce, and Tunisian police officer on May 2, Foreign Minister Bidault sent message to Bey through Resident General requesting Bey to issue statement condemning terrorism, calling upon populace to observe calm and inviting populace to vote in [Page 864] municipal elections. Bey in customary manner took note of message and indicated he wished think matter over. On May 3, during routine visit Dupoizat, Secretary General, which had been arranged before Bidault’s message, Bey stated he agreeable to making statement re terrorism and appeal to calm but considered proposed invitation to voters unnecessary as his sealing of various election decrees indicated his support of elections.
- (2)
- Foreign Office considers Neo-Destour responsible for May 2 violence, believes N–D, having failed in its efforts to prevent success of caidal elections, is resorting to more drastic terroristic tactics to obtain failure municipal elections.
- (3)
- Although reports still fragmentary, Foreign Office understands voting in May 3 municipal elections ranged generally between 50 percent and 60 percent of registered Tunisian voters, principal exception being Tunis where only about 10 percent of registered Tunisian voters participated. While Tunis results disappointing, some comfort derived from fact that in 1946 elections only 15 percent of Tunis electorate voted and that while proportion now lower, electoral base has been considerably enlarged. Undoubtedly Neo-Destour threats have had their effect in Tunis.
- (4)
- French Government remains resolved to proceed with municipal elections.
Dillon