Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 1

772.00/3–2852: Telegram

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

secret

Paris , March 25, 1952—8 p.m.

5851. Comparison of French reform program for Tunisia outlined Embtel 5797, Mar 22² with recommendations made by Dept (Deptel 4982, Feb 22 to Paris,³ 50 Tunis) based on Tunis 111, Feb 14⁴ to Dept and Embtel 5070 Feb 18⁵ to Dept, 118 to Tunis reveals well meaning if somewhat timid, adoption by French of certain concessions to Tunisian aspirations means breaking present impasse between French Tunisian Govts.

1. Legislative. All Tunisian chamber although still subject to beylical decree and veto of Residential Gen cld be beginning of truly representative national assembly. Financial and economic affairs handled by mixed Franco-Tunisian chamber provides for French participation in affairs directly affecting their interest. Local WEP assemblies already under consideration since 1950. This proposal corresponds generally to lettered para (g) Tunis 111, Feb 14.

2. Executive. Complete Tunisian authority over five ministries, gradual takeover of two within five years, and close collaboration in finance demonstrate French intention of relinquishing direct control. (They meet certain aspects of para e.)

3. Civil service. French proposal seems most liberal and going practically whole way to meet Tunisian demands (para f).

4. Composition of Council of Ministers. While parity is still maintained between Tunisians and French it wld appear that Tunisian majority wld be attained automatically within five years when public instruction and public works turned over to Tunisian directors. Secretary general being shorn, as we understand, of any separate powers will lose former importance and be subordinate to Prime Minister (para e)

It is true that paras a, b, c, d and h of Tunis tel. 111, Feb 14 are not mentioned by FonOff, but they do not rightfully belong in a detailed program of governmental reform. These are matters more appropriately handled separately by action or statements of Resident General and/or French Govt.

Reports of Hauteclocque’s futile attempt to approach Bey through latter’s son Chadli confirms tactic mentioned penultimate para Embtel 5606, Mar 14⁶ as device to by-pass Chenik. If direct contact with Bey can be established and French program can be accepted by him in principle, way may be opened for French Govt to make statement regarding resumption of negotiations.

Proposals of French will undoubtedly not meet full demands of Neo-Destour but shld it is to be hoped provide basis for negotiations.⁷

Bonsal

1. This telegram was repeated to Tunis, Rabat, and Tangier.
2. Ante, p. 692.
3. Ante, p. 680.
4. Ante, p. 676.
5. Not printed; but see footnote 4, p. 679.
6. Not printed. In the paragraph under reference here the Embassy reported the French were seeking some way to bypass Chenik and negotiate with Tunisians other than Neo-Destourians. (772.00/3–1452)
7. Despatch 2634 from Paris, Apr. 4, transmitted a copy and translation of the French Government’s instructions to the Resident General at Tunis on Mar. 22. (772.00/4–452)