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

771.00/12–654: Telegram

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

confidential

Paris, December 6, 1954—8 p.m.

2387. I have read with great interest texts drafted for possible U.S. statements during UNGA debate on Morocco and Tunisia (Deptel 2045).² I concur with Department’s view that interrelationship between difficult North Africa debate which Mendes-France will have in assembly December 9 and 10 and U.S. statements in UNGA of great importance. In view delicacy of situation it would be best for our statements on both items to follow French Assembly debate which is scheduled conclude night December 10. At that time I believe effect of these statements will be most helpful here, especially that on Tunisia. As stated in Deptel 2045 Moroccan situation is much more complex and progress on scale envisaged in Tunisia is difficult now both because of greater political immaturity Moroccan people and dynastic problem which requires settlement satisfactory to both sides.

I would have no particular comments on Tunisian draft but believe U.S. remarks on Morocco might emphasize less similarity with Tunisian case for reasons mentioned above. Specifically first sentence in second paragraph might read “Despite slower rate of progress evident in Morocco, U.S. believes that example of Tunisia will remain in minds of both French and Moroccans as the type of approach which may help in settling the Moroccan problem”.

It seems fortunate that Tunisia will be heard first in view of present favorably developing situation there. While major points remain to be settled in Franco-Tunisian negotiations, success of amnesty program for fellagah has created currently favorable atmosphere for talks.³

Dillon

1. This telegram was repeated to USUN, Tangier, and Tunis.
2. Same as telegram Gadel 133, supra.
3. On Dec. 17, the General Assembly approved by a vote of 56 (U.S.) to 0, with 3 abstentions, a resolution postponing consideration of the Tunisian question for the time being in view of the ongoing Franco-Tunisian negotiations, which were being viewed with the confidence that they would lead to a satisfactory solution of the problem.