772.00/3–2252: Telegram

The Chargé in France ( Bonsal ) to the Department of State 1

secret priority

5797. Ref Embtel 5796.2 Fol is résumé of Tunisian reform program as given us by Puaux of FonOff:

1. Legislative.

Formation of two councils or chambers.

A.
Legislative and consultative entirely Tunisian, partly appointed by Bey and partly elected.
B.
Financial—exclusively for budget. Mixed Franco-Tunisian with equal representation. Bey would keep his legislative power by issuing decrees which would be approved by resident general.
[Page 693]

2. Executive.

A.

Free area, i.e. discontinuance of all French control over following Tunisian ministries: Justice, Public Health, Social Affairs and Commerce.

A technical convention would be signed reserving rights and interests of French in purely French institutions (Fr law courts, hospitals, etc.).

B.

Area controlled by French. Public instruction and public works would remain under French directors for period not less than five years. Tunisian deputy directors would take over thereafter.

Finance considered special case, therefore no time limit specified. This believed justified because of French contributions amounting to 40 percent of ordinary budget and Fr financing of investment budget.

C.

Reserved area.

National defense (including security forces) fon affairs. These will remain under Fr control.

3. Civil service.

Access to admin posts will be reserved entirely for Tunisians. If, however, there are vacancies which cannot be filled by qualified Tunisians, Tunisian Govt may employ foreigners provided they are French nationality. Civil servants holding posts at present will not be removed.

4. Composition of council of ministers.

While this is still under study, it is proposed that it be reduced to four Tunisians (Prime Min, Mins of Justice, Pub Health and Commerce of Soc Affairs) and four Fr (Sec Gen, Dir of Fin, Pub Instruction and Pub Works).

Prime Min will preside. Sec Gen would become deputy of Prime Min without having separate powers.3

Bonsal
  1. This telegram was repeated to Tunis, Tangier, and Rabat.
  2. Not printed.
  3. A memorandum, dated Mar. 25, by Elting to Hickerson and Wainhouse, presented an analysis of the French reform proposals summarized in telegram 5957. It commented that the program marked a great advance in French thinking, principally because the French had accepted the “timetable” principle. The speed with which the new cabinet had agreed to the program was also seen as a good sign. On the other hand, the fact that the Resident General seemed determined not to negotiate with Prime Minister Chenik, despite the fact that the French Government alleged it was willing to yield on that point, was a disturbing factor. (UNP files, lot 59 D 237, “Tunisian General Correspondence, 1952–54”)