Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East Region; Iran; Iraq, Volume XII

236. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Rountree) to the Secretary of State¹

Washington, May 9, 1957.

SUBJECT

• Richards Mission—Tunisia, May 4–5²

Discussion

Ambassador Richards reported that during his visit of May 4 and 5 no difficulties were encountered with the Tunisian Government over the reendorsement of President Eisenhower’s proposals for the Middle East, Prime Minister Bourguiba having previously publicly endorsed the American Doctrine. Ambassador Richards offered $3 million in economic assistance on a grant basis and this was welcomed by the Prime Minister as symbolic of United States friendship and support. The Government of Tunisia was disappointed with this magnitude indicating they had drawn up a list of projects on which assistance was needed totaling $57 million. The question of United States military assistance was not specifically discussed although there was discussion of the utilization of a portion of the funds being offered for vehicles and communications equipment for internal security forces.

The Prime Minister spent a major portion of the discussion time on the subject of “colonialism” in general and his position on Algeria specifically. Prior to the Mission’s arrival the Prime Minister called in the French Ambassador to inform him of the visit and to discuss Tunisian interest in the Mission. We had previously advised the French of the probability of a small economic aid commitment, but had indicated that we were opposed to providing military equipment.

Commitments

At the time of Ambassador Richards’ departure there was acceptance in principle of the $3 million aid offer, but since agreement had not been reached on utilization of funds, no specific commitment and no aide-mémoire was presented. These matters will be subject to further negotiation between the Tunisian Government and our Embassy.

Communiqué

A joint communiqué was issued by the Tunisian Government on May 7 stating that after cordial talks with Ambassador Richards the Prime Minister reiterated his previous endorsement of President Eisenhower’s proposals for the Middle East and was pleased to have had discussions with Ambassador Richards regarding them and the need to meet the menace of international communism. No reference was made to economic aid in view of the Prime Minister’s desire to avoid linking aid to Tunisian support for the Doctrine.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/5–1057. Secret. Drafted by Lathram. Also addressed to the Under Secretary of State.
2. Regarding the Richards Mission visit to Tunisia, see vol. XVIII, pp. 664–671. For text of the joint communiqué issued on May 6 in Tunis, see Department of State Bulletin, May 27, 1957, p. 845.