Editorial Note
Telegram 1729 from London, September 25, suggested it would be preferable if the French could be induced to state their position publicly before the United States acted on the Tunisian question. Since the Embassy understood there was practically no chance the French would do so, it believed the United States should advise France of its position and then answer questions from UN delegates, rather than issue a statement. Telegram 122 from Tunis, September 27, informed the Department of State the Consulate General in Tunis favored the procedure outlined in telegram 2102 to London (page 812), which did not involve a published statement.
Paris telegram 1935, September 29, reported the Embassy in Paris had previously prepared a draft position on Tunisia for Department consideration. In addition to the position transmitted in telegram 2102, the Embassy’s draft position emphasized that, while the United States would vote for discussion of the Tunisian question at the United Nations, at the same time the United States believed the French position in North Africa should be not only maintained but strengthened. It [Page 815] wanted the United States to state that the continuation of the French position in North Africa was basic to United States policy.
Telegram 1823 to Paris, September 29, instructed the Embassy to present the position outlined in telegram 1780 to Paris, September 26, Supra. It informed the Embassy the Department would keep in mind the Embassy comments in telegram 1935, but lack of time precluded a change in the position given in telegram 1780. Paris telegram 1955, September 30, informed the Department that Schuman had been informed of the United States position on Tunisia transmitted in telegram 1780. Documentation is in Department of State file 772.00.