Office of the Historian

313. Letter From President Reagan to Tunisian President Bourguiba1

Washington, January 9, 1984
Dear Mr. President:

I have sent Dick Walters, a trusted aide, to speak with you about my concern over the recent unrest in Tunisia. I applaud your courage in facing up to Tunisia’s economic challenge and I understand how difficult it was to deal with the disorders. Tunisia’s friends will now want to consider how they can help your government and we in the United States are considering ways to do so.

With regard to the external threat, I have requested General Walters to share with you our latest assessment of Libyan activities in the region, and to reassure you of our continuing efforts to monitor Libyan activities. The United States remains concerned for the continued security and territorial integrity of Tunisia.

I know you will speak candidly to Dick Walters and I look forward to a report from him upon his return.2

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan
  1. Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Head of State File, Tunisia: President Bourguiba (8302445–8408275). No classification marking.↩
  2. For a record of Walters’s visit, see Document 315.↩