171. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson1
SUBJECT
- Letter to President Bourguiba
President Bourguiba suffered a heart attack on 15 March. Shortly after, we arranged for General Mattingly, formerly of Walter Reed Hospital, to fly to Tunis for consultation with Bourguiba’s doctors. This gesture was extremely well received in Tunisia.
Doctors tell us President Bourguiba stands an excellent chance of making a complete recovery but he must have absolute rest for some [Page 260] time. His doctors feel that he should not come to Washington for his planned visit in June. However, they have not yet told him he must postpone his visit. He is anxious to see you and may want to try to come anyway. Therefore, his doctors and the top officials of the Tunisian government hope you might suggest postponing.
Since this visit has already been put off for nine months, another few won’t make any difference. From your point of view receiving him in the fall when there are not so many visitors lined up as we have for June would be better anyway. We can give him better attention then. State is tentatively considering a State visit the last half of September for planning purposes, but we will be back to you later on that. There is no need to be that specific in this letter.
If you approve this tack, we would send the attached message telegraphically.2 It would be nice to get it off before you see Bourguiba, Jr. at the funeral next week since he has asked us informally for this help in slowing his father down.3
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Tunisia, Visit of President Bourguiba, Cables & Memos, 5/15–16/68. Confidential.↩
- Attached but not printed. Telegram 180670 to Tunis, April 22, transmitted President Johnson’s message to President Bourguiba. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–1 TUN)↩
- The source text indicates the recommendation was approved.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩