Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Arab-Israeli Dispute; United Arab Republic; North Africa, Volume XIII

390. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Tunisia¹

Washington, May 31, 1958—1:49 p.m.

1036. Embtels 1692 and 1694.² Department hopeful French protocol mentioned reftels offers basis negotiations and even though final Tunisian reaction not yet known seems possible it might lead to solution. It is our view in any case French proposals should be examined adequately. With this in mind we question anew advisability Tunisian hasty recourse to SC.³ We have in mind fact that Bourguiba unwilling approach SC while negots in process (Embtel 1694) and we therefore hope he might be susceptible to suggestion that, pending development of negotiations, SC action at this point would be undesirable.

Impending investiture of DeGaulle,⁴ now estimated as likely June 1, is of course prominent factor in our thinking. GOT aware that he approved present French proposals. GOT action at moment investiture might irretrievably damage relations with DeGaulle personally.

In light of these factors we would like to put to Bourguiba possibility of postponing action until later than June 2 on basis that it is most unlikely that satisfactory solution to problem would emerge from quick recourse to SC, whereas more time might enhance prospects of reasonable solution stemming from French offer reflected in protocol.

Unless there have been developments which render this course inadvisable, request you approach Bourguiba immediately and state USG puts forward these comments and suggestions in earnest belief they represent best course in present circumstances. If he nevertheless insists on pursuing SC action we will not object.⁵

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 651.72/5–3058. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Rountree and Porter, cleared by Wilcox and Elbrick, and approved and signed for Herter by Murphy. Repeated to Paris and USUN.
2. Telegram 1692, May 30, reported that Berard had received the protocol, which provided a timetable for the withdrawal of French troops from Tunisia and stated negotiations on the future of Bizerte would be completed by July 1. (Ibid.) Telegram 1694, also May 30, reported that Berard had given Bourguiba the protocol. (Ibid.)
3. On May 29, Tunisia asked the U.N. Security Council to consider its complaint against French military action since May 19. (U.N. Doc. S/4013) Murphy had recommended against this action during a May 27 conversation with Slim. (Telegram 1006 to Tunis; Department of State, Central Files, 651.72/5–2758) On May 29, France filed a counter-complaint against Tunisia. (U.N. Doc. S/4015)
4. Prime Minister Pflimlin submitted his resignation on May 28. President Coty announced on May 29 that he had asked De Gaulle to form a government. De Gaulle became Prime Minister on June 1.
5. On June 4, French Representative Georges-Picot proposed that the Security Council adjourn for 2 weeks in order for direct negotiations between France and Tunisia to take place. Tunisian Representative Slim suggested that the Council adjourn specifically until June 18, which the Security Council adopted. For a record of these proceedings, see U.N. Doc. S/PV.821.