In Protocols of March 2 and 20 respectively, the French Government recognized the independence of Morocco and Tunisia. As foreseen in the terms of the Protocols, negotiations are currently proceeding to define what the French Government has referred to as the future status of interdependence between both countries and France, particularly in matters of defence and foreign relations. The French and Moroccans have already signed a diplomatic convention which is now in force, and negotiations are now being held on a Franco-Tunisian diplomatic convention. The French Parliament will shortly be called upon to ratify the Protocols granting independence, although the texts of the Protocols do not specify that the independence of Tunisia and Morocco is in any way conditional upon either French ratification or the conclusion of conventions on interdependence. France has therefore recognized these two countries de jure and hopes other friendly countries will do likewise.

The United States and the United Kingdom were anxious for political reasons to give formal recognition to Tunisia and Morocco as soon as possible. They wished to establish their diplomatic missions in Rabat and Tunis before the missions of the Arab League or the Soviet bloc. The United Kingdom Government recognized both countries de jure on May 10. It will shortly open a diplomatic mission in Morocco and will establish one in Tunisia after the French and Tunisians have reached agreement on a diplomatic convention. The United States has also recognized de jure; it is expected to name very soon its Ambassador to Morocco and will exchange diplomatic missions with Tunisia as soon as appropriate.

Twelve other governments have recognized de jure including Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, most of the Arab states, both Chinese Governments and Indonesia. De facto recognition has been accorded by nine countries including the U.S.S.R. and the satellites, India, Turkey, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.

The question of Canadian recognition of Tunisia and Morocco has been raised informally by our Embassy in Paris with the French authorities. The Embassy has been informed that the French Government has no objection to friendly countries granting de jure recognition to either Tunisia or Morocco.

I think it is desirable that as many countries of the West as possible should welcome the emergence of Tunisia and Morocco to independent status. Although we have no present intention of establishing diplomatic missions, I consider that Canadian recognition of the two new states would be appreciated by them and would help in attaining the worthwhile object of keeping them in friendly and close relations with western countries. Both countries are sensitive about their status and the earlier Canada can recognize, the more credit we are likely to get - especially if we act before the United States and the United Kingdom establish diplomatic missions in the near future.

I therefore recommend that the Cabinet approve that congratulatory messages should be sent to the Prime Ministers of Morocco and Tunisia. These messages would constitute de jure recognition by Canada.

I also recommend that the Cabinet approve that a congratulatory message should be sent to the Premier of France whose Government has, in spite of domestic political difficulties, shown a great deal of courage in concluding the arrangements for recognizing the independence of Tunisia and Morocco.¹

L.B. PEARSON