331. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
684. From Johnston.2 Had dinner last evening Nasser’s home. Present were Nasser, Zakaria,Hakim,Amer, Ambassador Hussein, . . . . Following is condensation of information re Jordan valley project gained during evening’s conversation.3
Nasser met each incoming Foreign Minister at airport and obtained impression Arab states were not in mood accept Jordan valley plan. Lebanon had new Arab proposal which Syria apparently accepted, with following main features: diversion Hasbani and Banyas rivers by tunnels to Lebanon coast for irrigation, power and spill of balance in Mediterranean. On Yarmuk, dam would be constructed at Maqarin Diversion. Dam would be built above demilitarized zone with tunnel through mountain to East Ghor. Total cost about [Page 568] $200,000,000, but sponsors would contend US should agree since costs no more than Jordan valley plan.
Nasser stated he spent hour with Dr. Selim discussing new proposal, and Selim reported it completely uneconomical and infeasible.Nasser therefore decided Egypt would oppose.
Nasser felt best course action was to divide consideration of Jordan valley plan into economic and political components. If this could be handled successfully in Foreign Ministers meeting he felt they would approve. Members technical committee were already in agreement plan best and most practical. Once technical advantages driven home Ministers would then consider political advantages and disadvantages.Nasser said wished handle Egypt’s role in his own way, but he convinced still possible secure plan’s acceptance despite great difficulties. His tactics would be let others argue political aspects without expressing his views. When they come to him privately to ascertain his position, he would urge them to accept.
Nasser further stated that because Lebanon was leader of opposition he had requested Prime Minister Kharami come to Cairo. Syria was neutral and Jordan wanted project but all 3 governments were weak and fearful of being overturned.
During course conversation Nasser referred several times to Voice of America broadcast previous evening which stated Nasser had not given US prior notification of Russian arms offer.Nasser objected strenuously to broadcast, declared it untrue and appeared upset.
Comment:Nasser appears genuinely interested have water plan accepted and seems be making strong effort secure agreement other Arab states. In spite many duties and presence high officials all Arab League states he devoted most of day and entire evening to Jordan valley plan. While am unable judge whether his efforts likely be successful, he appears confident his entire attitude has seemed friendly and cooperative. This also appeared true of Zakaria and Hakim Amer who have in past seemed lukewarm at best.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85322/10–855. Top Secret. Received at 9:38 p.m. Repeated to Beirut, Damascus, Amman, Tel Aviv, and London.↩
- Johnston returned to Cairo on October 7.↩
- Summary minutes of Johnston’s dinner meeting with Nasser on October 7 are in Department of State,NEA/IAI Files: Lot 70 D 254, The Fourth Mission—No. 21 (Negotiating File).↩