Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Africa, Volume XVIII

296. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, November 14, 1957¹

Washington, November 14, 1957

SUBJECT

• Tunisian Arms

PARTICIPANTS

• The Secretary
• French Ambassador, Mr. Alphand
• French Minister, Mr. Lucet
• Counselor of the French Embassy, Mr. De Laboulaye
• Mr. Elbrick—EUR
• Mr. Porter—AFN

Mr. Alphand called at 3:30 to deliver an oral protest to the Secretary on the subject of delivery of arms by the United States and the United Kingdom to Tunisia. He said that the French Government formally protested the delivery of these arms and the conditions surrounding the delivery, including the manner in which the decision of the U.S. Government had been communicated to the French Government. Mr. Alphand said the same protest was being made in London.

The French Government, Mr. Alphand said, cannot understand the attitude of its allies in this matter, an attitude which risked harming Atlantic solidarity and one which appeared to be based on the arguments of the adversaries of France.

The Secretary said he had just talked to the Tunisian Ambassador and had urged him in the strongest terms that Tunisia should seek to arrive at an arrangement with France covering her requirements and should of her own accord renounce the purchase of arms in the East.² The Ambassador had indicated his agreement and would urge his Government to follow this course.

The Secretary said he regretted very deeply the difference of opinion which had arisen between the United States and the French in the matter. He said that, as the Ambassador knew, we have gone to considerable extremes to afford the French an opportunity to work out a solution. Now that our delivery is being made we should both endeavor to minimize the consequences and regain the solidarity of which Mr. Alphand had spoken.

The Secretary said he had already endeavored in his talk with the Tunisian Ambassador to stress the importance of French-Tunisian relations and we will try in our press relations and in other ways to break down the differences of opinion. The Secretary said that we must not let the matter stand in the way of our working together in the future.

Ambassador Alphand inquired whether the delivery of U.S. arms is now a fact. The Secretary replied that he believed that they are in transit. Mr. Alphand said that he understood that their Ambassador in Tunis was unable to obtain Tunisian agreement not to accept an Egyptian delivery and he expressed doubt that there would be in fact any delivery by the Egyptians. The Secretary said he understood that the Egyptian shipment might be en route. Ambassador Alphand said that the Tunisian Ambassador in Paris had assured them that this was a fantastic story and that there was no likelihood of a delivery from that quarter. Mr. Elbrick said that he understood from Mr. Palmer that an Egyptian ship had left port for Tunisia and was expected to arrive on the 15th or 16th of the month, and in reply to the Secretary’s question as to whether the contents of the shipment had been identified, Mr. Elbrick replied affirmatively. The Secretary added that the Egyptian shipment would be a gift.

Ambassador Alphand said that the French had already given many military items to Tunisia and if Tunisia were to receive arms from French, United States, British, and Egyptian sources, she would have more than is necessary for her needs. That, Ambassador Alphand said, was the main reason why France stopped shipment.

The Secretary replied that only 500 rifles were involved. Ambassador Alphand said that rifles were very important from the French viewpoint as they were the principal item used against the French in Algeria. The Secretary expressed doubt that any of these rifles would get to Algeria.

Ambassador Alphand said that Mr. Gaillard would make a statement tomorrow and the Ambassador would urge that this be done as calmly as possible and in a manner not harmful to the Alliance.

In reply to Mr. Elbrick’s question as to what the French would be saying to the press, it was agreed that on the French side the statements should consist of explanations as to why the French Government had not shipped arms, while on the American side our reasons for doing so might form the basis of press statements.

The interview ended with Mr. Alphand indicating that Mr. Pineau would arrive on November 18 in New York and would lunch with the Secretary at the French Embassy on November 19th.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 772.56/11–1457. Secret. Drafted by Porter.
2. Dulles indicated to Ambassador Slim that it had required much courage on President Eisenhower’s part to demonstrate fidelity to the principle of Tunisia’s right as an independent nation to secure arms without restrictions. He added that France and NATO were more valuable to the United States than Tunisia, but the principle involved was overriding. (Memorandum of conversation by Bovey, November 14; ibid.)