264. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1
1155. Paris’ 1491. Pass following from Secretary to Pineau:
“I have received your message concerning the UP article on arms for Tunisia. I understand fully the difficulties which arise from publication of such an article at this juncture, causing as it does embarrassment to both our governments. In this connection I can assure you positively that our information definitely indicates that the leak was of other than US origin.
“I hope you will agree that we should not permit such a regrettable occurrence to interrupt the development of a solution for a problem which should be solved without delay. Your contribution toward such a solution has been so constructive, indeed, decisive, that it would be a great loss to all concerned if progress were now to be jeopardized because of the unfortunate publication of that article.
“The United States, as you know, has been under considerable pressure from the Tunisian Government to supply arms. It is not, however, the pressure on us which motivates my concern, but rather our estimate of the internal pressures on President Bourguiba which will, we believe, compel him to accept arms from most undesirable sources under most undesirable conditions if he cannot obtain them from friendly Western nations. We have not replied to President Bourguiba despite mounting indications that a reply is becoming more essential each day if we are to prevent the Tunisians from taking a step which we are convinced would be greatly detrimental to their real interests and to those of the West generally. I therefore feel compelled today to reply to his direct request of September 4 by reassuring him that, in some way, his legitimate internal security needs will be met, but expressing the hope that this can be done from European sources. I am, of course, making it clear that we expect that Tunisia will give appropriate assurances with respect to the use and custody of the arms.
“I am also hoping that it will be possible for you to agree to the two suggestions contained in my second message to you. Much of the success of our effort to convince Mr. Bourguiba that restraint and patience are to his advantage depends, in my opinion, on the conditions which accompany our willingness to make arms available to him for his internal security needs.”
For Embassy info: UP correspondent called Department offices September 19, indicating he had already filed story based on French and Italian Embassy sources. He sought Department confirmation, received none.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.56/9–2157. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Porter. Repeated to Rome and Tunis.↩