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

295. Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Casey to President Reagan¹

Washington, April 28, 1982

SUBJECT

• Visit of Tunisian Prime Minister, Mohamed Mzali

1. I met today² [1 line not declassified] who was somewhat apprehensive about the outcome of the visit of Prime Minister Mzali. Basically, it appears that there is a group of Tunisian Ministers who favor closer ties with Libya, as opposed to Prime Minister Mzali, and who would like to see the Mzali visit to Washington be something less than a success in the eyes of President Bourguiba.

2. [1 paragraph (11 lines) not declassified]

3. What is important here [less than 1 line not declassified] and I understand that this coincides with U.S. views and objectives, is that Bourguiba perceives the Mzali visit as a success. [less than 3 lines not declassified] you may be able to solidify Mzali’s position through a private letter from you to Bourguiba, and allow Mzali to carry this letter back to his President.³ [less than 1 line not declassified] such a letter should simply contain a reaffirmation of your support for the Bourguiba regime and a statement indicating that it is now clear to you that Bourguiba was wise to select Mzali as the man to implement his, Bourguiba’s, principles.

William J. Casey⁴
Director of Central Intelligence

1. Source: Reagan Library, Near East and South Asia Affairs Directorate, Tunisia, PM Mzali, 04/29/82 (04/03/1982–04/23/1982). Secret. Copies were sent to Haig and Clark. The date of the memorandum is in error; [less than 1 line not declassified].
2. A record of the meeting is in the Central Intelligence Agency, Office of the Director of Central Intelligence, Job 83M00035R: Box 17, C–384, Tunisia.
3. See Document 298.
4. Casey signed “WJ Casey” above this typed signature.