405. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Tunisia1
1041. Re Embtels 1460, 1465 and 1472, USG willing sell small arms and vehicle package consisting categories weapons and vehicles recommended paragraphs 5 and 6 Embtel 1460.2 Terms would be identical to those for last year’s four-battalion package namely repayment in Tunisian currency in three annual installments with interest at 4%.
Defense urgently ascertaining availability cost and delivery data which should be ready next few days. Although you may wish inform President Bourguiba re above immediately and are authorized do so would obviously be tidier await Defense figures so firm and detailed package could be offered.
If you choose to approach Bourguiba, make it clear that precise numbers of items we can furnish in various categories depend on results availability study here.
(FYI. It is important not to make commitment regarding specific numbers since entire program including handling and transportation must be carried out within $2.2 million. In this regard, if there is any indication Bourguiba will pressure for air delivery, advise immediately so transportation cost factor can be adjusted. We would plan inform French this transaction when GOT acceptance our firm offer received.3 End FYI)
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.56/5–1959. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Nes on May 19; cleared by Satterthwaite, Porter, Bell, L. Dean Brown, and Grantham; and approved and signed for Dillon by Murphy. Repeated to Paris.↩
- Telegram 1460, May 14, reported Bourguiba was “profoundly gloomy” about Algeria and distressed by delays in the delivery of U.S. arms, and had instructed Ladgham to purchase arms at any cost wherever possible, even from Czechoslovakia. Paragraphs 5 and 6 recommended the United States sell Tunisia certain light arms and vehicles. (Ibid., 772.56/5–1459) Telegram 1465, May 18, reported Army Attaché Harkins endorsed the recommendations in telegram 1460. (Ibid., 772.56/5–1859) Telegram 1472, May 19, reported Bourguiba had, through Hourani, requested an update on the Tunisian arms request. (Ibid., 772.56/5–1959) Dillon and Murphy decided on May 18 that the United States should respond to Bourguiba’s appeal. (Record of the Acting Secretary’s Staff Meeting; ibid., Secretary’s Staff Meetings: Lot 63 D 75)↩
- Telegram 1508 from Tunis, May 25, reported Tunisian agreement to the package. (Ibid., 772.56/5–2559) The transaction was discussed with French Embassy officials on June 19 and July 6. (Memoranda of conversation; ibid., 772.56/6–1959 and 772.56/7–659)↩