772.00/3–3150: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
1515. In course conversation yesterday with Margerie,1 Foreign Office, reference was made to French plans reform measures in Tunisia (Tunis 47 to Department March 272). He stated that Foreign Office hoped presence advisory council Libya in Tripoli would not cause agitation that part Africa since French intended introduce important reforms in Tunisia during coming year and wished to effect them in an atmosphere of calm and prosperity so that it would be clearly shown that French were leading from strength and not weakness.
Paris press reports that Mons is holding conversations with high government officials (including Bidault,3 Schuman,4 General Koenig5) re reform project.
We are encouraged by these developments but we shall continue to reiterate to French on every appropriate occasion our desire to see them take effective steps toward greater autonomy local population.
Repeated Tunis 29, London 435, Algiers 55, Rabat 19, Tangier 23.
- Roland Jacquin de Margerie, Deputy Director of Political Affairs, in charge of African affairs, in the French Foreign Ministry, until July 1950.↩
- Not printed. In it Consul General at Tunis Earl L. Packer reported that the French Resident General in Tunisia, Jean Mons, would possibly take up the question of reform measures for Tunisia during his current visit to Paris. Packer had learned from French officials in Tunis that the decision for such measures was pending in Paris. Packer added: “If US intends exert any pressure this might be appropriate moment. I have come conclusion my efforts here past 2 years practically futile.” (772.00/3–2750) There was no reply to Packer’s telegram from the Department of State.↩
- French Prime Minister, October 1949–July 1950.↩
- Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, 1948–1953.↩
- General Marie-Pierre Koenig, former French Commander in Chief in Germany (1945–1949).↩