179. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson1
SUBJECT
- Military Aid Determination for Tunisia
The attached determination2 would permit us to go ahead in FY 1968 with the second slice ($2.7 million) of our 5-year program for Tunisia. It’s a routine determination such as those you’ve signed in past years for Tunisia—not one of the new Conte-Long determinations. Charlie Zwick’s memo (attached)3 outlines its contents.
You will recall President Bourguiba’s understanding of our shortage of funds but his hope that we would help as much as possible. Three years ago, we laid out a $25 million program over five years designed to do no more than enable the Tunisians to hold off the Algerians for 2–3 days until help could arrive. We had to tell them frankly that they couldn’t handle more than that now. After Congressional cuts, we’ve had to cut even that minimum program in half.
[Page 273]The equipment involved is mainly defensive—anti-aircraft, vehicles, ammo, spares.
We would like to get this out today if you approve in order to get these items on Defense’s year-end procurement list.
Attached determination for your signature if you approve. This program has been approved in the Senior Interdepartmental Group and is recommended by Nick Katzenbach with Defense and Budget Bureau concurrence.