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

206. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance to President Carter¹

Washington, February 2, 1980

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Tunisia.]

2. Assistance to Tunisia—We have responded effectively and quickly to Tunisia’s request for help in the aftermath of the Libyan-supported raid into central Tunisia. Our actions should gain us a positive reaction in Tunisia and elsewhere by demonstrating our capacity to assist moderate friends when threatened.

Today, the Tunisians agreed to an emergency equipment package of 30 APCs and six transport helicopters. The $18 million in costs which they will pay will cover all air and sealift expenses, spare parts, training, ammunition, and other support. A letter of offer and acceptance for the APCs was signed today, and ten should be ready for delivery to Tunisia by air within a few days. Since the “major defense equipment” content of the APC and helicopter packages is less than $7 million in each case, there will be no need for Congressional notification. We intend to brief Congress fully, however.

In additional steps this last week, we responded within hours to the Tunisian request for aerial and sea surveillance, and undertook other intelligence efforts designed to detect potential new attacks by land or sea.² Sixth Fleet vessels will call at Tunisian ports in the next few days. We also are informing Libya that we retain a longstanding interest in Tunisia’s independence, sovereignty, and integrity, and would view with serious concern any outside interference in Tunisian affairs.³

Defense’s role in bringing about this outcome was outstanding. Graham Claytor did a most effective job in pulling this together.

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Tunisia.]

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 22, Evening Reports (State): 2/80. Secret. There is no indication Carter saw the memorandum.
2. In telegram 26684 to Tripoli, January 30, the Department informed the Embassy of the execute order for surveillance operations. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800053–0756)
3. In telegram 28794 to Tripoli and Algiers, February 2, the Department transmitted the following message for Foreign Secretary Turayki: “The U.S. has long been interested in the independence, the sovereignty, and the integrity of Tunisia and will continue this interest. In keeping with its longstanding relationship, the U.S. is prepared in principle to provide Tunisia added military equipment if Tunisia so requests and discussions between our two governments are now taking place on this issue. The U.S. would view any outside intervention in the affairs of Tunisia with serious concern.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800057–0710) In telegram 83 from Tripoli, February 3, Eagleton reported that the message was delivered orally February 2 at 6 p.m. to the Chief of Protocol, who was the senior officer present. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800079–0584)