772.00/11–554: Telegram
The Consul General at Tunis ( Hughes ) to the Department of State 1
33. Terrorist outbreaks Algeria completely surprised most Tunisians and French. Residency claims attacks not unexpected but this doubted as shock troops arrived after attacks.
Immediate reaction here was of fear that widespread revolt against France might be brewing with result of halting negotiations for internal autonomy, causing military oppression and ruining economy. An informed Tunisian said mere fact of Algeria attacks will encourage hard pressed Fellagah to hold out hoping for union with anti-French fighters in Algeria and Morocco. French attitude is that Algeria attacks were well planned but flash in pan could not recur as troops arriving and country too stable.
Seydoux takes more serious view. Replying to my observation that set up and timing of multiple Algeria attacks seemed beyond capacity local extremists he agreed fully and stated flatly he sees for first time the master hand of Moscow directing through agencies like Paris and Cairo. He explained that week before Algerian outbreaks Moscow [Page 396] radio made attack in French against France in Algeria and days later same attack from Cairo voice of Arabs; two days later Budapest radio beamed anti-French tirade direct on Algeria; next day attacks launched. While no accompanying increase in Fellagah activity here it not diminished and Moroccan terrorism continued. Pattern too clear to ignore. He added now that other international problems solved Moscow turns to North Africa as the “soft under belly” West Europe alliance and most vulnerable for attack. Not that he expects successful revolt soon or immediate Communist gains but is concerned lest basis be established for future success. Said he hoped US would perceive Communist pattern and help France combat it.
- This telegram was repeated to Paris, Cairo, Rabat, Casablanca, Tripoli, Tangiers, Algiers, and Rome.↩