The Tunisian Question in French Policy toward Italy, 1881-1940

Abstract

Commenting on establishment of French Protectorate over Tunisia in 1881, Rend Albrecht-Carrid observes that the role of Tunisia was destined to be long and important in story of Franco-Italian relations.1 The correctness of this judgment was demonstrated time and again between 1881 and 1940. Especially following advent of Fascist era in Italy, Tunisia proved single most intractable issue dividing two Latin neighbors and thus thwarting desires of those in both countries who sought to establish a Franco-Italian common front against mutually perceived German danger. This long, complex, and bitter story is one reason why many contemporary observers found Laval-Mussolini agreements of 7 January 1935 so perplexing. In one blow, Tunisian problem, which had bedeviled Franco-Italian relations for over half a century, appeared resolved wholly in France's favor. There were four public agreements: a general declaration of amity, a treaty ceding to Italy a sizable frontier rectification for Libya plus 13.5 miles of East African coastline, a proposal for a general non-aggression pact designed to protect Austrian independence, and a sweeping protocol in which Italy agreed to progressive liquidation of special rights of Italian citizens in Tunisia, guaranteed by France since 1896.2 The latter required Italians living in Tunisia gradually to be brought under umbrella of French nationality legislation, beginning in 1945 and ending twenty years later. Stipulations were also included for process of bringing Italian schools under regulation of French educational legislation.3 What was published, therefore, appeared a sweeping victory for French Premier Pierre Laval. Many in both France and Italy were dumbfounded that Mussolini would sacrifice rights of 100,000 Italians in Tunisia for a few palm trees in Libya. It goes without saying, of course, that payoff for Duce was contained in secret protocols to Rome Accords, understandings which called for Franco-Italian consultation