Evening star., 1954-09-19

years and finally, when the war
broke out in 1889. was sent to a
prison in France. He was released by
the Germans in December 1942 and
moved to Rome, where he was
warmly greeted by Italy's fascist
dictator, Benito Mussolini.
Approached Il Duce
The 'Tunisian promised II Duce
the support of his people in the
war if the Axis would recognize
Tunisia's independence Immediately,
but the Italian dictator baked be-
cause of Adolf Hitler's promise to
the Vichy French that they would
be rewarded for their collaboration
by being allowed to retain Frances
North African empire.
The nationalist leader was per-
mitted to return to Tunisia in April
1943. A month later he went into
hiding when the Allies entered the
country and imprisoned many i'm
portant Tunisians as collaborators.
He was granted immunity from
prosecution. however. when he is
sued a statement calling on all
Tunisians to join the Allies in fight
ing the Axis.
After the war, Mr.. Bourguiba went
to Egypt, where, with the help Of the
Arab League, he launched a world
wide propaganda campaign against
the French oppressor. He visited
most Of the important capitals in the
Free World, including Washington,
soliciting support for his movement.
In 1949, he returned to Tunisia
more popular than ever. Finally, in
January, 1852, the most widespread
revolt in Tunisian history broke out
under Bourguiba's leadership, and
he was once again exiled to remote
part of Tunisia, then to a Mediter-
ranean isle from whence he was
brought to Paris.
Much Of Mr.. Bourguiba's success
in awakening" his people to the ma
tionalist cause can be attributed to
his hold on the youth. Every Neo-
Destour cell, for example, has a
corresponding youth section (18 to
IS years of age), which receives po-
litical and paramilitary training, Of
ten up to five sessions week. When
disorder is called for, these youth
groups spread the word, issue leaf
let's and in other ways pull the trig-
ger of a general strike or demon
stration.
A good part of the party's strength
also comes from the support of the
anti-C Communist Central Tunisian
Union, a relationship which the
French compare with that of union
ism and politics in Communist
countries.
But to charges of totalitarianism,
the Neo-Destour leaders reply that
the organizational forms of their
party are simply intended for eff
cheney while their political in
doctrination' program consists of
preaching independence and democ-
racy.
Mr.. Bourguiba stoutly denies that
the movement practices terrorism.
He maintains that in some cases in
dividual members might resort to
it, but against the policy of the
organization. And it is true that he
has voluntarily called for an end
to violence on many occasions
though often just forcefully enough
to convince world opinion of his
moderation" but not forcefully
enough to have any real effect.
Ready for War
AS he once summed up his policy:
while automatically, in order to
win world support. I have taken a
moderate position. which comedies
nothing of Importance in any case,
I am preparing myself and my
people for an armed struggle, which
alone can give us victory"
Whenever Mr.. Bourguiba is under
arrest and his restraining hand is
out of sight. terrorism increases un-
der the guidance of more extremist
underground leaders. AS for his
moderate" diplomatic position, 1t is
indeed just that. He is willing to
accept only internal autonomy for
his country, leaving it's defense and
foreign affairs in French hands. He
has even stated publicly that the
French Army can remain indefi-
nitely.
Actually, he greatly admires the
French people, whose tradition of
freedom" he has said. proves their
disinterest in colonial ventures" He
blames Tunisla's colonial plight only
on the handful of wealthy, self
seeking" French colonists In his
country and the "weakling politi-
clans in Paris" who, before Mendes-
France, submitted to their pressure.
M. Mendes-F France, for his part,
has more than the usual sympathy
for the Tunisian point of view. In
North Africa during World War II,
he grew to understand the prob
lens of the area. Once the edo
situation settles down, the Mendes-
France government may have more
time to spend with Mr.. Bourgiba in
working out Tunisia's problems.