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

412. Telegram From the Embassy in Tunisia to the Department of State¹

Tunis, November 11, 1959—7 p.m.

665. Joint Embassy/USOM Message. Reference: Deptel 584.² Have not yet informed GOT proposed aid level and strongly reiterate previously expressed recommendations:

1. That single announcement give full SA level for year. Alternative of announcing $18 million level with promise “sympathetic review” et cetera, amounts at best to commitment additional aid later; at worst becomes source bitterness if no action taken.

2. Still believe announcement should be for $20 million. A retrogression in Tunisian SA aid level this year will lead to situations in this uniquely friendly Arab country that can only be harmful to our general positions on North African issues.

3. That if Washington should decide lower figure mandatory, announcement must be coupled with DLF Oued Nebana approval. It would be foolhardy to bring up Oued Nebana while eventual approval doubtful. This explosive subject in Tunisia. DLF representatives now Tunisia indicate unless overriding Department political decision taken technical recommendation Nebana is negative.³ Aid $18 million level with no Oued Nebana might well prove politically disastrous and even a $20 million with no Nebana will prove politically difficult.

Note that reference to FY–1959 aid given “in slices” was to exceptional gesture announcing immediate availability $10 million before final congressional action taken on MSP bill in recognition certain Bourguiba pronouncements. Can see no parallel present situation.⁴

Walmsley

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.5–MSP/11–1159. Confidential.
2. Telegram 584, November 6, left to the Embassy’s discretion the timing of aid discussions with the Tunisian Government. (Ibid., 772.5–MSP/11–459)
3. Telegram 604 to Tunis, November 10, reported that the Department of State intended to inform Tunisia that the United States could not help finance the Oued Nebana project. (Ibid., 772.5–MSP/11–1059)
4. Telegram 615 to Tunis, November 12, authorized the Embassy to negotiate Special Assistance aid for fiscal year 1960 at $20 million. (Ibid., 772.5–MSP/11–1259)