1939: Tunisia

Tunisia, a French Protectorate, is situated in a commanding position on the North African coast, occupying the promontory which with Sicily divides the Mediterranean Sea into eastern and western halves. The territory is bounded west by Algeria, southeast by Libya, and east and north by the Mediterranean. It has an area of 48,332 sq. mi. The population by the 1936 census numbered 2,608,313, of whom 2,335,632 were Arabs and Bedouins, 108,068 French citizens, 59,485 native Jews, 94,289 Italians, and 7,279 Maltese. The capital is Tunis, located on the coast.

The principal products are wheat, barley, wine, oil, oats, almonds, citrus fruit, henna, cork, shaddocks, pistachios, and dates. Livestock-raising is an important industry. The chief minerals are phosphates, lead ore, iron ore, and zinc. In 1937, 64 mines were worked, producing minerals valued at about 104,000,000 francs. The fisheries were carried on principally by Italians and Tunisians. Native industries include carpet-weaving, saddle-making, pottery, embroidery of leather, and weaving of wool. Total exports in 1937 were valued at $45,635,000; total imports, chiefly of manufactured goods, machinery, and timber, at $52,972,000.

The ruler of Tunisia is Sidi Ahmed Bey, who succeeded to the throne July 10, 1929. Actual administration of the Protectorate, however, is in the hands of the French Resident-General. A ministry of 11 departments, 8 French and 3 Tunisian, has charge of certain local affairs.

The outstanding event of 1939 was the visit of Premier Daladier to Tunisia on January 3-6. This visit resulted from Italian demands for special consideration of Italians in Tunis and Italy's attempts to undermine French rule by aiding the Nationalist party while, at the same time, advocating its own governance. The effects of this policy were bitter anti-Fascist sentiment among the Arabs and a strong renewal of expressions and pledges of loyalty to France. Premier Daladier's arrival was greeted with wild acclaim. There were further demonstrations against Italy, and 22 members of Destour, the Tunis Nationalist or Autonomist party, were arrested. The tension between France and Italy over Tunis continued through the early months of the year up to June, fed constantly by Fascist press attacks, local Italian demonstrations and increasingly heavy restrictions placed on Italians within the Protectorate. The Tunisian defenses were greatly augmented; and the French took a determined stand on the question of ceding any Tunisian territory to Italy. In July the conflict in Tunis was overshadowed by the more serious complications in Europe, and Italian press attacks on French treatment of Italians in Tunis died down. On August 28, during the European crisis anti-aircraft guns were posted about Tunis; and the Mareth Line to the Libyan desert was strengthened. After the outbreak of the European War, Tunis, a strategic Mediterranean base, was carefully guarded and placed in readiness for any developments that might bring war to the Mediterranean area.