Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XVII, Part 3, North Africa

197. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter¹

Washington, November 27, 1978

SUBJECT

• Your Meeting with Tunisian Prime Minister Nouira

The primary purpose of this visit is to underscore the continuing good relations that we enjoy with Tunisia, one of the most moderate, yet socially progressive, of the Arab states. Since Tunisian independence in 1956, we have worked closely with President Bourguiba, and even in his recent years of failing health he has remained emotionally pro-American.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Tunisia received more aid per capita from the US than any other developing country. Political stability and generally sound economic and social policies have moved resource-poor Tunisia into the ranks of middle-income countries. As a result, our own aid programs are no longer as essential on economic grounds, but they still symbolize the special relationship that exists between our two countries.

In addition to economic assistance, Tunisia has been receiving FMS credits, and in FY 1980 they expect at least $25 million as the final installment of a promise we made to help with their military modernization. OMB is likely to recommend that this be cut back to $15 million. I do not believe that this is an appropriate time to cut back substantially on the modest FMS program for Tunisia, particularly since we may not be able to meet the full $25 million promised for FY 1979.

Nouira will be particularly interested in discussing the regional situation in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as economic cooperation. I suggest you make the following points:

—We are trying to work closely with our friends in the Middle East and North Africa to enhance the prospects for regional stability and orderly development. To reach this objective, we count heavily on countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iran. We also want to open doors to cooperation with other countries in the region—Syria, Algeria, Iraq.

—We remain committed to resisting Soviet intervention, directly or by proxy, in this region. Any Libyan threat to Tunisia would be a matter of grave concern to us and Tunisia could count on our support.

—As part of our regional and global strategy, we have been trying to bring about an Arab-Israeli peace settlement. The first step in this process will be peace between Egypt and Israel and the beginning of a transitional process resulting in Palestinian self-government.

—Tunisia, and President Bourguiba in particular, understands the need to work toward objectives in phases, consolidating at each stage those gains that have been made, while not losing sight of the goal. This is the spirit behind what we are trying to do with the Camp David agreements. (Tunisians pride themselves on their reputation for being pragmatic and rational, particularly in comparison to their eastern Arab neighbors. Some reference to these Tunisian traits will be highly appreciated by Nouira.)

You may also want to pursue these additional topics:

—The situation in Algeria after Boumediene.²

—The prospects for private investment, joint projects, increased trade. Secretary Kreps is planning to go to Morocco and could also stop in Tunisia.

The State Department memo covers a number of other points (Tab A).³ I do not recommend that you discuss the human rights situation in Tunisia. Nor do I believe it appropriate to raise with Nouira the question of Soviet use of naval repair facilities unless we are in a position to offer the alternative of using those facilities ourselves. This is strictly a commercial question for the Tunisians.

Biographical sketches are at Tab B.⁴

Jim Fallows’ office will provide welcoming remarks and toast material.

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 50, Tunisia. Secret. Sent for action. There is no indication Carter saw the memorandum.
2. Brzezinski wrote at the end of the sentence: “(N’s views might be interesting).”
3. Not attached. Vance’s November 21 memorandum to Carter is in the Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 50, Tunisia.
4. Not attached.