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

246. Memorandum of a Conversation, Washington, November 21, 1956, 11:45 a.m.¹

Washington, November 21, 1956, 11:45 a.m.

SUBJECT

• Tunisia

PARTICIPANTS

• Mr. Habib Bourguiba, Tunisian Prime Minister
• Mr. Mongi Slim, Ambassador of Tunisia
• The President
• Mr. Robert Murphy, Deputy Under Secretary of State

After an exchange of amenities during which the Prime Minister expressed his gratification over his reception by the President,² there was a brief discussion of prevailing conditions in Tunisia. The President, mentioning that he had been resident in Tunisia some time during World War II, inquired regarding the cleanup of the destruction in the port of Bizerte and the city and port of Tunis. The Prime Minister said that considerable progress had been made, but much remains to be done. He thanked the President for the contribution of 45,000 tons of wheat made to Tunisia.

There followed discussion of Franco-Tunisian relations with an explanation by Mr. Bourguiba of the efforts he had made during the years to achieve the independence of his country while remaining in friendly association with the French. He explained that the French in effect were victims of their own traditions in the colonial field and their prestige as a great nation. The President said he believed that French thinking had advanced considerably regarding the matter of colonies and he believed it perhaps unfair to say that the French ideas had not changed. Mr. Bourguiba agreed, but said that much remained to be done. The President inquired whether inspiration could be found in the attitude of Great Britain in respect of its colonies. When Britain found that it was difficult to retain some of the colonies in their previous status, the idea of a commonwealth had been developed. This had led to independence for some of the countries who were held to Britain as voluntary associates by reason of their self-interest. Mr. Bourguiba agreed that something of a similar nature would be entirely possible in French North Africa, if the Algerian question could be settled. The President asked him whether he had ideas regarding a settlement for Algeria. Mr. Bourguiba said that his thinking ran along the lines of an agreement by the French in principle concerning Algerian independence which would than be worked out through stages over a period of time. He firmly believed that this type of settlement is possible and would produce a result which over the longer term would be beneficial to France. The fighting in Algeria presents for Tunisia a very serious problem and is holding back the economic and social progress of Tunisia. The Prime Minister desires to do everything he can to promote a happy solution of the Algerian problem and promised to work to that end.

The President said he wanted to make a point which represents part of his basic philosophy and that is that this Government stands for the proposition that there is only one rule of justice applying both to great nations and to small nations. He said he wanted the Prime Minister to believe that we do not believe in one rule for the larger powers and another rule for the smaller powers. The Prime Minister expressed his gratification and complete agreement.

The President referred to Israel, saying that he hoped that the existence of this tiny state in the Middle East would not poison American relations with the Moslem states be they the older states or the new ones like Tunisia. The Prime Minister assured him that the Tunisian attitude regarding Israel did not in any way adversely affect Tunisian relations with the United States. The President assured the Prime Minister of our sympathetic interest in and understanding of Moslem culture, religion, education, and customs. The President referred to the fact that he had lived in North Africa for several years, adding that Mr. Murphy was associated with him at that time, and had an abiding interest in the problems of North Africa.

In terminating the conversation, the President assured the Prime Minister of his continuing interest and hoped that the Tunisian Ambassador would work closely with the State Department; we desire to cooperate and be as helpful as we can in promoting the best interests of both countries.³ The conversation concluded with an effusive thanks on the part of Mr. Bourguiba for the gracious reception which the President had accorded him.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.00/11–2156. Confidential. Drafted by Murphy. The time of the meeting is from the President’s diary.
2. Bourguiba was in the United States to head his nation’s delegation to the United Nations. He paid a brief courtesy visit to the President.
3. Shortly after this visit, President Eisenhower noted in his diary that in regard to Prime Minister Bourguiba, he “was struck by his sincerity, his intelligence and his friendliness.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, DDE Diaries) Later that day, Bourguiba met with Assistant Secretary Rountree with whom he took up the subject of economic assistance. (Memorandum of conversation by Bovey; Department of State, Central Files, 772.02/11–2056) On November 27, he met with Acting Secretary Hoover mainly to discuss Algeria. (Memorandum of conversation by Bovey; ibid., 772.02/11–2756)