391. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1
4633. Paris’s 5806.2FYIDept encouraged by indications GOF and GOT may be making progress in resolving outstanding problems and hopes Paris will accept Tunisian counter-proposals re Bizerte (Tunis 1742)3 [Page 847] as recommended by French Embassy Tunis. However Dept wishes at this critical juncture avoid action which French might interpret as interference or which by provoking adverse reaction result in setback to present favorable trend. Therefore believe we should not, for time being at least, take any new initiative of substantive nature such as urging return to good offices proposals as suggested reftel. At same time do not believe it desirable leave GOF or GOT with impression we have bowed out entirely and lost interest in constructive solution responsive to requirements situation. Paris and Tunis should therefore continue follow negotiations closely in manner which will convey such interest without appearance “butting in”. Among other things Dept would appreciate fuller explanation meaning of “engagement de principe” mentioned Paris 58114 and appraisal extent to which new French or Tunisian proposals differ from March 15 proposals.5 End FYI.
Paris should also as necessary make clear to GOF (Joxe or Daridan if possible) we are deeply concerned re effects failure reach agreement with consequent resumption SC debate June 18. Believe highly doubtful substantive debate could be further deferred unless there is significant progress in French-Tunisian negotiations before June 18, and do not feel further US efforts with GOT in this sense likely produce results in absence such progress. Convinced substantive debate would involve serious political and tactical problems for all concerned and might cause irretrievable loss of opportunity for productive bilateral negotiations.6
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 651.72/6–1158. Confidential. Drafted by Palmer and William T. Nunley, U.N. Adviser, Bureau of European Affairs; cleared by Sisco, Elbrick, and Torbert; initialed by Cargo; and signed for Dulles by Murphy. Also sent to Tunis and repeated to London and USUN.↩
- Telegram 5806, June 7, reported that France was ready to agree to evacuate all troops from Tunisia except those at Bizerte, but required free circulation at Bizerte and an engagement in principle to negotiate French rights there. (Ibid., 651.72/6–758)↩
- Telegram 1742, June 9, reported that Tunisia had proposed starting provisional negotiations on Bizerte prior to October 1 and allowing French troop movement between French installations once evacuation had begun. (Ibid., 651.72/6–958)↩
- Telegram 5811, June 7, reported that Berard would be sent instructions to obtain an understanding in principle from the Tunisian Government confirming its intention to leave Bizerte at French disposal and to allow base functions to return to normal. (Ibid., 651.72/6–758)↩
- See Document 385.↩
- Telegram 6011 from Paris, June 17, reported that France had reached agreement with Tunisia. All French troops except those at Bizerte would withdraw from Tunisia, negotiations for a provisional agreement on Bizerte would begin immediately, and simultaneous negotiations would be held on other outstanding problems. (Department of State, Central Files, 651.72/6–1758) Georges-Picot and Slim announced the agreement at the June 18 U.N. Security Council meeting. For texts of their statements, see U.N. Doc. S/PV.826.↩