Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XXIV, North Africa

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

706.

Tunis, January 28, 1981, 1332Z

SUBJECT

• (U) Letter From President Bourguiba to President Reagan.

1. (C—Entire text.)

2. Ambassador received on evening Jan 27 original copy of a letter dated Jan 23, addressed to President Reagan from President Bourguiba.² Following is Embassy’s informal translation of this letter from French original, which is being pouched to Department.

3. Begin quote: Dear Mr. President: As you begin to take on the high responsibilities which the American people have entrusted to you, it is my pleasure to express the best wishes which all friends of the United States, and particularly Tunisia, extend to you on your accession to the Presidency of the United States.

4. In a world which is more and more threatened by lack of respect for the principles of law and morality, as well as by the hegemonistic and expansionist behavior of certain powers—both great and less great—the role of the United States and of its President becomes more essential than ever before.

5. I rejoice, in this regard, in the help which the Government of the United States has extended to Tunisia in support of its efforts to meet its defense needs. The fact, in particular, that the (FMS) credit proposals which have been allocated for Tunisia in 1982 are $60 million, even though this figure is below the levels requested by our country following many a technical discussion with American experts in this field, constitutes, in our view, a first response which is both positive and promising.

6. I would have also wished to discuss directly with you the problems concerning our region, most especially those regarding Tunisian security as well as the need to strengthen relations between our two countries. Various reasons, however, due notably to precautions which my health requires me to take, unfortunately prevent from realizing this objective in the near future.

7. It is for this reason that I would sincerely hope that you might receive in Washington, as soon as possible, my Prime Minister, Mr. Mohamed Mzali, who will share with you Tunisia’s serious concerns regarding both its security and the future of our region, a region which bridges the Arab world, Africa and Europe, and whose strategic importance is known to you.

8. Please accept, Mr. President, both my warmest wishes for your success and the expression of my highest regard. Signed Habib Bourguiba. End quote.

9. Comments by septel.³

Bosworth

1. Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Head of State File, Tunisia: President Bourguiba—Cables. Confidential; Priority; Nodis. Printed from a copy that indicates the original was received in the White House Situation Room.
2. Not found.
3. In telegram 705 from Tunis, January 28, Bosworth reported: “I believe it in the US interest to invite Mzali to make a brief working visit to Washington within the first few months of the new administration.” Such a visit, Bosworth contended, would “reassure the Tunisians of our continuing commitment to help Tunisia preserve its security in the face of the growing threat from Libya.” A visit would help “Mzali’s efforts to consolidate his position as Bourguiba’s successor.” Bosworth added that while others could also succeed Bourguiba, the Embassy judged Mzali “would follow policies that help preserve our long-term interests here.” Finally, the visit could be “a useful element in an overall US policy response to the growing Libyan threat to the stability and security of the entire region.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, [no D number])