Office of the Historian

280. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State1

Paris, November 11, 1957—6 p.m.

2366. Reference: Deptel 1779.2 I informed Gaillard this afternoon along lines reference telegram, emphasizing that in response to his urgent plea, we are prepared to delay arms delivery a few days but that we have not heard whether GOT is prepared accept this delay.

Gaillard expressed deep personal appreciation that we had responded so promptly and favorably to his request. He continues to be gravely troubled, however, (1) that Bourguiba is in position to render judgment on matter of such importance France-US relations and (2) that most unfortunate competition between US and France for delivery arms to Tunis may be developing. He says he is reasonably confident decision will be taken in Cabinet tomorrow to supply to GOT arms for one battalion, which French feels is sufficient for their immediate needs. What, however, will be situation if Bourguiba demands of US larger quantities in excess of his needs, some of which might eventually go to Algerian rebels? This would, of course, have most serious effect on France-US relations.

I replied by pointing out that US always wished that France be sole supplier arms to Tunis and that present situation has arisen only [Page 741] because of long delay caused by French ministerial crises and because of our conviction there is danger of supply arms to Tunisia by eastern countries. I emphasized we would insist arms we are supplying be accompanied by firm guarantee they are for internal use only and will not go into Algeria. I said we are not in position to give him assurances about the future but it would seem to us most desirable that French reach agreement with GOT as soon as possible to supply all of latter’s legitimate armament needs. I pointed out US must take account of fact Tunisia is independent country which has right to buy arms anywhere but that we should certainly prefer that French continue to be main supplier if agreement to this effect can be worked out between two governments.

Houghton
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.56/11–1157. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Tunis. Received at 2:34 p.m.↩
  2. Printed as telegram 316 to Tunis, Document 277.↩