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

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

2854.

Tunis, April 16, 1981, 1226Z

From General Walters. Subject: (U) Meetings With Mzali and Belkhodja.

1. (S—Entire text).

2. On April 14, with Amb Bosworth, I saw Tunisian Foreign Minister Belkhodja and Prime Minister Mzali. They were visibly pleased by Secretary’s gesture in sending me to brief them.

3. Both spoke of importance of relationship with the U.S. for Tunisia and emphasized their country’s exposed position between Algeria and Libya and its need for assistance. I told them I was going to Algeria² and both felt this was positive move. They regarded President Chadli and Prime Minister as relative moderates fighting to prevail over more radical Libyan-influenced Yahyaoui factions. Belkhodja in particular gave me much advice on the care, feeding and handling of susceptible Algerians. I believe a good deal of it was useful.

4. Both listened with great interest to my delivery of Secretary Haig’s message³ about U.S. and its intention to strengthen itself and its friends. Both expressed great concern on Qadhafi’s antics and regarded him as Soviet instrument rather than Islamic fanatic. Atmosphere of both meetings was extremely cordial and friendly throughout. Both asked me to reassure President Bourguiba, who is very concerned about Qadhafi. This proved to be an understatement. As between Algerians and Moroccans they were definitely pro-Moroccan while feeling that my visit to Algeria could be profitable.

5. Both made pitch for grant aid and more generous terms on military sales. Stated Tunisian military delegation would be in U.S. next week.

6. Mzali stressed need for continuing U.S. economic assistance as well as military aid. He is obviously hoping to be invited to the U.S. later this year.

Bosworth

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810182–0823. Secret; Exdis.
2. See Document 105.
3. In telegram 2853 from Tunis, April 16, Walters reported on his April 15 meeting with Bourguiba, during which he delivered to Bourguiba Haig’s “message re US intentions to redress military balance, stand by its allies, consult and put financial house in order.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, [no D number]) No other record of Haig’s message was found.