Washington, D.C., November 9, 1942

White House news release.

YOUR HIGHNESS:

I have not ignored the terrible predicament into which the brave Tunisian population has been thrown by the progress of the war. Your country, I know, is beset on all sides by dangers with which you, alas, are only too familiar. Your people are victimized by the organized rapacity of the Germans and Italians which has stripped the Tunisian population of the barest necessities of life, reducing it to nakedness and want.

Now I learn that those same Italian and German elements, not content with organized plunder, seek to occupy and completely dominate your country, and to impose on your proud people a condition of misery to which, I am sure, they will never submit.

The indomitable and massive American armed forces which I am despatching to North Africa, in collaboration with the force of France, will cooperate with you in the defense of your country. They have no other aim than the early destruction of our common enemies. They and their allies hope for the great privilege of passage through Tunisia thus enabling them to accomplish their mission-the elimination of the forces of evil from North Africa.

Your recent ascension to power and your expressed aspiration for the welfare of your people in whom I have profound confidence permit no doubt of the speedy and favorable outcome of our joint measures of defense.

May God have Your Highness in His safe and holy keeping.

Your Good Friend,
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.