158. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France0
3136. Following based on uncleared memorandum conversation:1 Alphand called at his request on Secretary January 31 and raised, among other items, question Tunisian arms. French Ambassador said Paris not satisfied with briefing given heretofore on US arms shipments to Tunisia. Alphand said information had been “too general.” He referred again to fact French not fully briefed on contents Anderson report, though admitted he realized our position vis-à-vis Tunisians delicate. He said French felt Tunisians probably had more arms than they needed, and “nightmare” persisted that some of these arms might reach FLN. French would of course keep confidential anything we told them.
Secretary said we were reasonably confident our arms for Tunisia were not going to FLN. He referred also to our understandings with Tunisians. He added he had supposed liaison between French and ourselves on this subject in Tunisia had been sufficient but since this apparently not the case in French view, he would look into matter further.