Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Africa, Volume XVIII

215. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France¹

Washington, August 17, 1957—1:16 p.m.

682. Ref: Rabat’s 142² and 139.³ Department greatly concerned by breakdown Franco-Moroccan negotiations and particularly by resulting suspension French aid. Wherever responsibility may lie results all too clear: i.e. constant turning on and off financial spigot both Morocco and Tunisia multiplying uncertainties re French intentions and progressively sapping strength of pro-Western regimes which are sole hope cooperation with France and on which entire Western position heavily depends.

While we can understand public and parliamentary difficulties French Government in supporting budgets countries who oppose France’s Algerian policy it does not appear this difficulty has recently been acute in case Morocco nor does it explain present impasse.

Our own interest in matter dictated by effects on Western interests and specifically U.S. aid plans. Inevitably increased Moroccan demands would place US in extremely awkward position in light current domestic attitudes and budgetary difficulties as well as plans based on policy supplementing French aid. Limitations on US at this point combined with uncertainties re French intentions appear be producing situation of real danger all concerned.

We would hope financial convention might be treated separately from Convention d’Etablissement. Failing that would think common prudence would dictate at least maintaining flow French credits by making partial advances pending resumption negotiations and conventions. This would dispel doubts re French intentions and create better atmosphere for discussions.

While we do not presume set forth specific course action, believe Emb Paris should convey US concern over impasse, indicating our growing worry over mounting threats to Sultan’s Government in face continued failure solve pressing social and economic problem and expressing our hope flow assistance, at least through partial advances, can be resumed soonest. Might be helpful express gratification over resumption aid Tunisia and emphasize our conviction steady flow French aid both Morocco and Tunisia indispensable to preservation Western position North Africa.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 651.719/8–1057. Confidential. Repeated to Rabat and Tunis. Drafted by Bovey and cleared with AFN, WE, E, U/MSA, and in substance with ICA.
2. Telegram 142, August 10, reported that Franco-Moroccan negotiations on the Convention of Establishment governing property transfers and compensation had broken down. (Ibid.)
3. Telegram 139, August 10, reported the opinion of Mehdi ben Barka, President of the Moroccan National Consultative Assembly, on the impasse. (Ibid.)