Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1955, Volume XIV

67. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State¹

Cairo,April 5, 1955—8 p.m.

1482. Bulk of discussion of meeting with Nasser (Embtel 1480²) fell about equally on Arab States matters and Alpha, with the two becoming often rather hopelessly enmeshed. I repeated to him substantially my presentation to Fawzi (Embtel 1458 repeated London 310³). Found him less forthcoming than Fawzi but with agreement that matter should be developed further after Bandung. He aware that this subject is basic cause of most of present day difficulties. He unable to see, however, his really taking initiative until things had calmed down somewhat in Arab world. Felt enemies would even accuse him of falling into deliberate plot to further weaken Egypt’s position in Arab world. However, he desperately wished land connections from Egypt to other Arab states.

It was too much to expect him to be decisive on Alpha at a time when he unable to be certain of Egypt’s general role on Middle East matters as a whole. I do not regret, however, launching Alpha at this stage. There was really no alternative. He wants relationship between the West and Egypt to be one of “no surprises”. Am certain he will have more trust and confidence if we don’t try to be diplomatically cautious as to our own requirements. While the joint estimate of Stevenson and myself is still probably correct as to what Nasser can and cannot do at present, I believe there no harm our laying our cards on the table as to what we really want.

We now have to wait and see. Am inclined to believe, barring some new external developments, that he will be willing to see planning go forward after Bandung in secret but without commitment.⁴

Byroade

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/4–555. Top Secret; Priority; Alpha. Received at 7:18 p.m. Repeated to London.
2. Not printed. (Ibid., 774.00/4–555)
3. Document 62.
4. The Embassy in London reported that Shuckburgh had been informed of the contents of this telegram, and that he concurred with Byroade’s recommendation to delay Alpha’s launching until after Nasser returned from Bandung. (Telegram 4416 from London, April 6; Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/4–655)