Office of the Historian

307. Letter From President Reagan to Tunisian President Bourguiba1

Washington, February 3, 1983
Dear Mr. President:

I have chosen to write to you because it has become our practice to communicate matters of the highest importance directly with one another. This personal exchange arises naturally from the friendship and esteem I have come to feel for you, who have guided Tunisia so wisely through its history of accomplishments, and reflects the amity which binds our two peoples.

The visit of General Walters, my trusted personal emissary, reinforces the message of this letter:2 the United States continues to stand by your side as a friend and a supporter. We will continue to do all that we are able to safeguard a free and prosperous Tunisia. We owe this both to friendship and interest. Moreover, it is important that Tunisia stand among the new nations of the world as an example of the benefits of enlightened leadership.

Because of the worldwide economic recession and related economic hardships facing the United States, Congress has not granted us all the resources we requested for security assistance this year. This development will require us to begin this year’s assistance program at somewhat lower levels in many countries, including Tunisia. You have my personal assurance, however, that my government and I will seek additional funds from the Congress for Tunisia so that we may make a greater contribution to Tunisia’s legitimate defenses. I remain confident that the long-term, integrated military modernization program we have worked out with the able attention of Prime Minister Mzali and other concerned ministers will remain a valid plan for Tunisian defense against any would-be aggressor. We also recognize the urgency of the threat you face and your need for a rapid supply of military equipment to meet that threat.

I also want you to know how grateful I was for your support of my September 1 proposal for peace in the Middle East.3 It was personally gratifying to be supported by such a steadfast friend of the United States. And it was heartening to be supported by a leader whose political judgment, particularly concerning the Middle East, has earned him [Page 638] unparalleled international stature. I expect to benefit from your wise counsel as I work toward peace in the Middle East.

I hope the new year has found you happy and well. Nancy and I send you and Mrs. Bourguiba our best wishes for you and your people.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan
  1. Source: Reagan Library, Near East and South Asia Affairs Directorate, Tunisia 1983 (01/25/1983–05/19/1983). No classification marking.↩
  2. Walters visited Tunisia February 13–15. See Document 308.↩
  3. See footnote 2, Document 114.↩