Office of the Historian

296. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1

London,September 22, 1955—6 p.m.

1161. From Johnston. Met with Foreign Secretary Macmillan this afternoon with Russell and Foster.Shuckburgh and Simpson of Foreign Office also present. I explained in detail progress that we have made, and said we felt we were near agreement with Arab technical committee, but real problem would be presented on political side by Arab Foreign Ministers’ meeting Cairo October first. Explained I expected meet with Foreign Ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon only. If this group approved they would go to larger Arab meeting for their approval. In the interim there were certain things HMG might do that would be extremely helpful. I mentioned three: First, insure against Iraq’s opposition in Arab League meeting. Second, bring whatever pressure HMG thought advisable on Jordan so that Jordan would thoroughly understand that HMG supported this program wholeheartedly. Third, inform Lebanese officials of HMG’s desire to have this project proceed so there could be no question in Cabinet’s mind of HMG’s position.2 I specifically mentioned Emile Bustani to see if HMG could have any [Page 502] influence in quieting him down, particularly in Arab university graduates meeting Jerusalem next week. I further expressed hope HMG would make it clear they not only wanted the project but wanted it adopted now by governments involved at Cairo.

Foreign Secretary was most complimentary about the progress that had been made and agreed to do all three things mentioned, although he doubted their influence with Bustani and said they might decide that it would be useless to try to influence him.Shuckburgh was directed to take necessary steps implement these three requests immediately, emphasizing importance of Arab States accepting this project at time of Cairo Foreign Ministers’ meeting. I felt atmosphere was completely cordial and cooperative, on part both Foreign Minister and Shuckburgh.

Foster
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/9–2255. Confidential. Received at 4:13 p.m. Repeated to Cairo, Beirut, Damascus, Tel Aviv, Amman, Baghdad, Jidda, Jerusalem, Paris, and Rome.↩
  2. In telegram 1311, September 30, the Embassy in London informed the Department that the British Embassies in Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, and Amman had reported conversations in support of Johnston’s proposals. (Ibid., 120.1580/9–3055)↩