772.00/7–2754: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State1
376. All signs point to early government action on Tunisian problem with Cabinet consideration of program under preparation by Protectorates Ministry expected July 31. According Basdevant of latter Ministry, government will publicly define its policy vis-à-vis Tunisia, stating final objective to be attained as well as sequence of steps leading thereto. It is hoped that Bey, on basis this program, will shortly thereafter be in position name new Tunisian Prime Minister who will form a new government incorporating all important Tunisian elements, including Neo Destour. This is particularly desirable to give maximum effect to new government’s anticipated appeal for end of terrorist activities.
Minister Fouchet in conversation with Ambassador today stated that Tunisians had evolved to point that in general they were now able to administer their own internal affairs. France would retain control over foreign affairs and defense and for time being over finance. Rights and status of French in Tunisia would have to be assured. On basis this statement and general acceptance of view that new program will have Bourguiba’s [approval?], Embassy concludes that it will very substantially meet Neo Destour demands as persistently expounded by Bourguiba, i.e., all-Tunisian Government responsible to elected all-Tunisian assembly, Tunisification of civil service, and ultimate replacement of present protectorate relationship with new form of Tunisian-French association. Implementation of program will, of course, be spread over a period of years.
Current speculation on candidates for post Prime Minister seems to narrow down to Aziz Djellouli and Tahar Ben Ammar, both of whom reportedly met with Bourguiba following their consultations with Fouchet in Paris last week. In any event, both expected to be in new cabinet but not Bourguiba himself. In recent press statements, latter has clearly suggested that he would be prepared approve Tunisian Cabinet without being member thereof.
Several Paris newspapers today suggest possibility that a well-known person having long experience in overseas problems might be sent to Tunisia on temporary mission to put new program into effect. One name cited is Albert Sarraut, President of the Assembly of the French Union. Embassy has no confirmation this point but believes it would be logical development as it would highlight and perhaps dramatize importance of new program. In addition, it would enable government to keep in background Resident General Voizard, identified [Page 887] by both Tunisians and French Colonials with program which misfired.
At present, Embassy believes government does not plan to have debate in Assembly on Tunisian policy although this would be precipitated by interpellation.
- This telegram was repeated to Tunis, Tangier, and Rabat.↩