291. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Tunisia1
330. In event failure French to deliver arms with consequent US–UK decision proceed with delivery, it would be most desirable if Bourguiba should in statement commenting upon receipt these arms reiterate that Tunisia will look to the West as normal source of its arms supplies. Department requests you make every effort persuade him to do so. If possible we hope he will also be willing make some conciliatory statement re France, and comment again as he has in past upon limited quantity of arms required and that they will be used for purely defensive purposes.
We believe that Bourguiba should be willing assist in this regard particularly if he understands personally the great difficulty which decision to deliver arms will have for US and UK Governments, including risk that NATO itself will be put under very severe strain. Statement along lines indicated above would be invaluable to us in dealing with this problem and perhaps future related problems as they might arise. We would not expect that statement would preclude acceptance of pending delivery of Egyptian arms.
Department expects make firm decision re delivery after report from Ambassador Houghton expected within next few hours on his efforts persuade French proceed with French delivery without unacceptable conditions. We hope UK shipment would be made at about same time as US.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.56/11–1357. Secret; Niact. Repeated to London and Paris.↩