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

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

Washington, April 19, 1960—6:29 p.m.

1347. Paris for USRO, Thurston and Embassy. Polto 2057 rptd info Tunis Polto 16.² French are apparently seeking implied NATO endorsement for their retention of Bizerte by pushing (1) claim for reimbursement for past construction at Bizerte and (2) retention of some infrastructure funds for possible future construction there. We prefer that matter not be brought to head in order to avoid friction between France on one hand and NATO military authorities, US, other NATO allies and Tunisia on other. Under circumstances appears preferable not to precipitate action on French request for reimbursement but to string out process as is now being done. On other hand foregoing Bizerte infrastructure matters may be linked by French to Eleventh Slice decisions, about which there may be some urgency. In any event it is probable that for one reason or another foregoing aspects of Bizerte infrastructure will eventually come up for discussion in NAC. We are considering position along following lines:

1. Agree to pay French a portion of their reimbursement claim, perhaps one half, on ex gratia basis.

2. State that projects were firm military requirements when construction started but that circumstances since have changed and there is no justification for retaining funds for further construction. (If necessary so state, changed circumstances are withdrawal of French Mediterranean Fleet and Tunisian independence.)

3. Agree that infrastructure funds still programmed for future construction at Bizerte be released for reprogramming.

4. State, if necessary that Bizerte naturally of interest to West but that NATO has no military requirements there.

Request early comments.

In any event it is not contemplated take any decisive action on this matter until after de Gaulle visit to US.³

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.5–MSP/4–960. Secret. Drafted by John Y. Millar, Office of European Regional Affairs; cleared by Root, McBride, L. Dean Brown, OSD/ISA, and Fessenden; and approved and signed for Herter by White. Also sent to Paris.
2. Polto 2057, April 9, reported on the French position regarding the infrastructure at Bizerte. (Ibid.)
3. Discussions about retaining Bizerte in the NATO infrastructure continued through the end of 1960; documentation is in Department of State, Central File 772.56351.