772.00/7–3154: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State1
priority
448. Paris press today gives front-page attention to yesterday’s Cabinet meeting on Tunisian reform program. Communiqué issued at close [Page 888] of meeting stated that Mendes-France “in a general exposé on Tunisian affairs, and after having retraced the difficulties which had arisen in the course of last years, gave details on new impetus which would characterize Franco-Tunisian relations in the desire to guarantee French interests and to meet the aspirations of the Tunisian people through realization of internal autonomy of Tunisian state. The Council of Ministers gave full agreement to Mendes-France.” Press stressed growing opposition of Socialist Republicans, moderates and many radicals to any measures leading to granting of internal autonomy, and reported that Minister Defense Koenig had threatened resignation in protest against program submited to Cabinet. However, Cabinet crisis apparently averted for at conclusion meeting lasting almost five hours approval was given to Mendes-France.
Press also announced that General Boyer Delatour replacing Voizard as Resident General, Voizard being assigned other functions and being raised to grade of Grand Officer of Legion of Honor.
Mendes, accompanied inter alia by Marshal Juin, Minister of Protectorates Fouchet, and Decourcel of latter Ministry, departed Paris by plane early this morning for Tunis, Mendes being received at noontime by Bey, arrangements having been made by Pelabon, director of Mendes Cabinet, who arrived Tunis yesterday. According to Basdevant of Protectorates Ministry, Mendes will make statement to Bey (to be made public in Tunis later today) announcing French Government’s readiness to accord internal autonomy to Tunisia while at the same time making clear permanence of “French presence” in Tunisia and necessity of assuring interest of France and of French in Tunisia. This to be accomplished by conventions to be concluded between French and Tunisian Governments. Mendes will call upon Bey to name Tunisian to form new Tunisian Government to negotiate details of new French-Tunisian relationship within framework of principles indicated above. Mendes will also state firm intention of French Government to restore and maintain order in Tunisia.
Mendes will probably return Paris today or tomorrow but Fouchet expected remain on in Tunisia for consultations. While new government can probably be formed fairly rapidly as result extensive consultations carried on during past several weeks by Fouchet with representative Tunisian personalities, Basdevant under no illusions that negotiations on details of agreements will be quickly concluded. Basdevant pointed out that General Boyer not named Resident General but only entrusted with responsibilities of Resident General. Since negotiations will be carried on at government level between Tunisian and French Governments, post of Resident General for moment loses some of its importance and a political figure not required. After conclusion final agreements between governments, new appointments will undoubtedly be made.
[Page 889]It now appears certain that Tunisian program will be discussed in National Assembly. On August 10 latter is to fix date for interpellations which have been introduced on Tunisian situation. Pressure on Mendes from right has been mounting steadily and debate may well be stormy. However, Mendes success in obtaining Cabinet approval of program, inevitably disagreeable to some members his Cabinet, and his dramatic trip to Tunis, lead us believe he prepared put full force his position and prestige into carrying program to successful conclusion.
- This telegram was repeated to Tunis, Rome, and Malta.↩