Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

154. Letter From Secretary of State Rusk to Secretary of Defense McNamara¹

Washington, June 3, 1965.

Dear Bob:

On April 28 during his visit to Washington, Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Bourguiba, Jr., raised privately with me the possibility of some additional assistance to Tunisia’s armed forces. Having informed the Foreign Minister that his request would be given early consideration, I asked members of my staff to explore the possibility of an initial equipment sales program for Tunisia of about $2 million in FY 1966 with repayment in local currency. I understand that our respective staffs have since been in touch on this matter and that it has been brought to your attention.

In mid-May, the Foreign Minister again raised the question of U.S. military assistance with Ambassador Russell in Tunis and referred to his discussions in Washington on this subject. On May 18, the Tunisian Minister-Counselor called on the Department to inquire when our decision on this problem might be expected and to express the hope that we would be responsive to the Foreign Minister’s request.

I am aware of the major current pressures and limitations on our military assistance funds and the need for their careful utilization in terms of our worldwide requirements. I would hope, however, that the Department of Defense, in its approach to this problem, will give full weight to the constructive position that Tunisia has been taking on a significant number of international issues of direct concern to the United States and that we will be able, in the very near future, to give a positive response to Foreign Minister Bourguiba. We have been very strongly impressed by Tunisia’s willingness to withstand the heavy criticism and pressures on it to modify the positions it has assumed. We believe that an early and favorable response to its request for military aid will fortify its resolve to maintain those positions.²

Sincerely yours,

Dean

1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 70 A 3717, 091.3 Tunisia. Secret.
2. On June 11, Secretary McNamara responded to Rusk’s request in a letter stating that he had approved the addition of $2 million in grant aid funds for the FY 1966 Tunisian Military Assistance Program. (Ibid.)