INDEPENDENCE OF TUNISIA

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28542, 22 March 1958, Page 13

INDEPENDENCE OF TUNISIA

New Demand By Bourguiba

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 7 p.m.) TUNIS, March 20. President Bourguiba today reaffirmed his desire to maintain Tunisia on the side of the West, but launched a strong demand that France should pull her* troops out of his “occupied” country, the American Associated Press reported.

Speaking on the second anniversary of the day Tunisia obtained her independence, he told a cheering audience in the National Assembly that France had never understood the word “independence.” “I wanted co-operation with France because our interests lie there and because it must -be recognised that she has done good in the past.” The Tunisian President had intimated previously that he would need assurances by today of winning his fight with France, or he would have to turn from the West in search of support. He said the British and American good offices mission would be available to his country whenever needed. The President called upon his people to take up again the battle for independence. “I have said recently that we are not independent and that we must resume the battle because, I repeat, we wish our independence and our complete sovereignty.” President Bourguiba left the method of battle for his listeners to decide, the American Associated Press said.

President Bourguiba said that he hoped soon to announce a just solution of the French and Tunisian dispute. In London, Mr Harold Beeley, Britain’s good offices representative in the dispute, called at the British Foreign Office today for consultations. He was expected to see the Foreign Secretary, Mr Selwyn Lloyd, tomorrow, before returning to Paris to meet the French Prime Minister, Mr Gailliard.