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

176. Memorandum of Conversation¹

Washington, May 15, 1968, noon.

SUBJECT

• Bilateral Relations and Turkish Aid to Tunisia

PARTICIPANTS

• United States
  • President Johnson
  • Ambassador Duke, Chief of Protocol
  • E.S. Glenn, Interpreter
• Tunisia
  • President Habib Bourguiba

President Johnson invited President Bourguiba to select the topic of conversation which would be of the greatest interest to Tunisia.

President Bourguiba said that the Tunisian positions on world affairs are well-known. In regard to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the two countries are in complete agreement. A few points might be made in regard to bilateral relations. These relations are excellent. Tunisia understands full well American preoccupations with a number of trouble spots and, in particular, with the war in Viet Nam. Nevertheless, President Bourguiba expressed the wish that the United States not forget Tunisia, a country whose geographical position is dangerous as it is surrounded by countries who have opted out of the free world. In consequence, Tunisia needs to be reassured as to her security and the security of her economic development.

In this respect Tunisia has made a request to Turkey, a country with which it shares the bonds of the common history in the past and common friendships in the present. The Turks have indicated that they would be glad to help with some materiel, provided the authorization of the United States could be obtained.

President Johnson asked President Bourguiba for information as to the kind of materiel needed.

President Bourguiba said that the Foreign Minister of Tunisia, his son, had the detailed list of materiel and would place it before any person designated by President Johnson.

President Johnson suggested that the Foreign Minister communicate the list to Assistant Secretary Palmer.

President Bourguiba said that the question was primarily psychological and not one of engaging in an arms race. There is no question for Tunisia of asking armaments comparable to those supplied by the Soviet Union to Egypt and Algeria, but simply obtaining a minimum, without which Tunisia cannot face the harassment of which it is the object.

The President said that the United States does not intend to lose interest in Africa, the Middle East and, in particular, Tunisia, and intends to do whatever can be done. Unfortunately, we have serious difficulties at home and it is even conceivable that there might be no aid bill at all. Nevertheless, the President was hopeful and it is clear the United States intends to pursue the same policies it has been carrying out so far.

President Bourguiba said that he fully understood the situation. Tunisia counts mainly on her own efforts and understands the difficulties of her friends. It is asking only what is in the realm of the possible, but understands fully that some things may become impossible.

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Tunisia, Vol. I, Cables, 12/63–9/68. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Edmund S. Glenn. The meeting was held at the White House. The source text is labeled “Part I of III”; memoranda of conversation of other portions of the discussion of the Middle East and Bourguiba’s visit to Canada are ibid.