Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 1

651.72/9–2354: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Paris, September 23, 1954—7 p.m.

1243. Basdevant of Protectorates Ministry today gave us following summary recent developments re Tunisia:

1. Franco/Tunisian agreement reached on principles to govern convention administrative and technical cooperation. Experts making good progress in drafting text. Re convention on rights and interests of French, discussions re principles still proceeding at Ministerial level but it has become apparent that agreement on some points will depend on outcome of discussion on related points arising in connection other conventions. Present plan is for experts to begin drafting on basis principles on which agreement already reached, leaving drafting of certain portions of convention in suspense until discussions on other conventions have led to agreement.

2. On French side, there have been meetings to discuss judicial, military and cultural conventions but no meetings yet with Tunisians. Judicial convention will probably be taken up at Ministerial level September 27, military convention September 29 and cultural convention in following week. As in case first two conventions, agreement will be sought on governing principles before drafting is undertaken.

3. Continuation of Fellaga activity in Tunisia of concern to French who have noted that despite various measures taken by Resident General to meet problem, ranging from offers of pardon to vigorous efforts of French forces to wipe out movement, Tunisian Government has been silent and has taken no steps to associate itself with French effort. Basdevant expressed doubt that Fellaga were under Neo-Destour orders and based on his conversations with Tunisian Ministers, felt that they were irritated by Fellaga activity which could be interpreted as opposition to their own collaboration with French Government. Desirability of Tunisian Government taking some action of its own has been called to their attention without result as yet.

4. Although no instructions have yet gone out, French Government plans to authorize return to Tunisia of Mohamed Badra, former Tunisian Minister of Commerce and Ali Bellouan, former Destourian Youth leader, both living Cairo.

Comment: Minister Fouchet told Utter last week French Government hoped to remove Badra, who is well-regarded from influence of Salah Ben-Yousseff.

Dillon

1. This telegram was repeated to Tunis, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Algiers, Cairo, Malta, and Rome.