772.00/5–2854: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State1
4587. In discussion today with Emb officer, Basdevant FonOff stated that Voizard’s statement following assassination of five French Colons in Kef region accurately reflects govt’s attitude.2 In statement Voizard declared nothing would be neglected to discover and punish assassins and that all steps would be taken effectively to protect Tunisians and French living in cities or country against aggression by outlaws. Govt does not wish to give political flavor to this attack or to suggest that it bears resemblance to terrorist activities during Hauteclocque regime. [Page 880] Basdevant implied FonOff regretted tone of residency statement on assassinations and trying play it down, while recognizing it was issued at time when emotions running high.
FonOff has considered possibility that assassinations may have been reprisal for killing of eight fellagahs earlier in week but has no specific evidence.3 It is not inclined to link act to Bourguiba’s transfer despite somewhat inflammatory nature of latter’s statements to press. FonOff continues to believe direction and material support for fellagahs comes principally from abroad, particularly Cairo and Libya. So far there is no evidence of Neo Destour sponsorship.
While vigorous efforts will continue be made to liquidate fellagahs, no new measures of repression envisaged for Tunisians as such.
- This telegram was repeated to Tunis, Malta, and Rome for Maffitt.↩
- Tunis telegram 88, May 28, reported the murder of five French colonists. The assailants left a note on the bodies warning against French colonialism. Despatch 255 from Tunis. June 1, transmitted a summary of Voizard’s speech regarding the action to be taken by the French against terrorists. Documentation is in Department of State file 772.00.↩
- Tunis despatches 239, May 19, and 252, May 26, reported on fellagah activities and French countermeasures. Documentation is in Department of State file 772.00.↩