UNREST IN FRENCH NORTH AFRICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200380005-5
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: July 29, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

Apprc veld oRk i 2000/0 DP80F*W14 Od( 0380005-5
UNREST IN FRENCH NORTH AFRICA
I. Ferment continues in French protectorates
.Morocco, Tunisia.
A. Morocco worst hot-spot until spring '54,
but situation there (under new Resident
General Lacoste) now quieter.
B. In contrast, Tunisia situation now
worsened by upsurge terrorism.
II. Pasttrouble in Morocco has included killings
boycotts, destruction crops. New element
nationalist negotiation, maneuver this week-
open letter to Lacoste from hundred Moroccan
"notables:?
A. Urges reinstitution civil liberties,
frank discussion current problems.
B. This letter, plus similar plea by 75
French residents, could become basis
negotiations by "moderates."
C. In any case, 45,000 French troops in
Morocco can probably maintain status quo._
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III, Meanwhile, French delaying action Morocco
until~Tunisian problem settled. There,
despite strict security measures, military
reinforcements, terrorism continues.
A. After Tunisian cabinet resigned en
masse 5 July, Bey appointed French-led
group, thereby triggering flareup
Violence.
B. Latest (24 July) fatality (95th since
Cet"I
mid-March) was French comm ndant Bey's
1 #111,
guard (shot in back).
(MORE)
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IV. Terrorism Tunisia stems from three sources:
A. First is Fellagha (traditionally bandits,
variously estimated from 1 to 10 thousand-
-based desolate interior hills, exist by
raids). Fellagha now said include
nationalists, deserters.
1. Big upsurge incident May 1954, when
bands moved northward.
2. Fairly well-equipped--postibly by
nationalists.
3. Now believed returning hills, result
heavy French pressure.
B. Second type terrorism is sporadic killing
(as case commandant) and sabotage.
1. Due more anti-French feeling than pro
nationalist or Communist sympathies.
2. Difficult ;control military means alone.
C. Third is counter-terrorism by French
settlers.
1. Example: settlers killed five natives
11 July.
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V. In short term, present French measures
Tunisia should help. Using curfews, search,
military trials. Have 10,000 new troops,
for total 26 thousand.
A. Long term restoration order, however,
dependent Paris policy.
B. Government action expected 31 July,
based following:
1. Tunisians to administer internal affairs.
France to retain control foreign
affairs, defense, finance.
Rights, status French in Tunisia
be assured.
Nationalist leaders may accept such
even take direct
2. Appearance small moderate settler
group, however, one new,hopeful
concessions.
1. Will pressure Paris,
action.
settlement, if means genuine self-governmert.
Settler, however, will oppose all
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