398. Editorial Note
Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Dillon left the United States on September 19 to confer with U.S. officials in 11 countries about major economic problems and operations under the Mutual Security Program, as well as to meet with senior members of the host governments. In Tunisia, the second nation on his itinerary, Dillon discussed Tunisia’s political and economic problems, U.S. aid, and U.S. technical assistance with Acting Foreign Minister Ladgham on September 22. (Telegram 414 from Tunis, September 23; Department of State, Central Files, 772.5–MSP/9–2358) The following day, he met with President Bourguiba, who stressed Tunisia’s need for the U.S. military equipment it had requested, noting it was impossible for his country to accept French arms. Bourguiba emphasized he needed a prompt answer; “half measures” and “symbolic efforts were no longer enough.”
In reporting Bourguiba’s comments to the Department of State, Dillon recommended:
“I feel time has come to make up our mind on this question and it appears to me that it is in overall interest of the West to strengthen Bourguiba’s position vis-à-vis FLN by seeing that he gets the military equipment which he has requested for 2 battalions. I agreed that under present circumstances it would be impossible for him to accept French equipment even if it was furnished by US through offshore procurement. Important thing is the origin of equipment. Suggest Department review matter urgently so as to be able reach decision shortly after my return. This military aid is the one way in which US can clearly show its confidence in Bourguiba at present and therefore is of paramount importance.”
[Page 859]Bourguiba next outlined his views on Tunisian economic development: the United States, he suggested, should give Tunisia preference because of her Western orientation and her ability to influence Arab thinking. Regarding these statements, Dillon observed he “was particularly struck by two things in Tunisia. First, the importance of increasing to extent possible the number of American technicians working on specific projects. The goodwill toward Americans shown by the whole population was remarkable. As we drove through countryside the local populace stopped and cheered time and again when they saw American flag. It is helpful for us to associate ourselves as closely as possible with Tunisian development through the presence of American technicians. Tunisians are also receiving technical assistance from France and Germany and the use of European technicians in our program would dilute their understanding of the amount of American assistance. I was also particularly struck by excellent work being accomplished through PL–480 Title II work relief projects. I visited one of the main projects at Le Kef, a large scale reforestation enterprise where some 3,000 people were working diligently and effectively terracing the mountainside in anticipation of replanting trees later this fall.”
Dillon and Bourguiba then discussed Algerian and world problems in general. Dillon concluded his report by noting that he “was surprised and impressed throughout Tunisia by the warm feeling towards US which was manifested both through the courtesies shown me by Tunisian Government and also by enthusiastic response of populace to American flag. Ambassador Jones tells me that he has had similar responses to flag during his visits throughout Tunisia.” (Telegram 825 from Athens, September 24; ibid., 611.72/9–2458)