95. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
1516. In informal conversation New York October 13, Eric Johnston broached with UAR FonMin Fawzi subject Jordan water development. Referring to highly constructive attitude displayed by President Nasser and Egyptian officialdom during 1953–55 when virtual technical agreement reached re unified Jordan valley plan, Johnston pointed out that in interest of protecting their riparian interests Arabs would be well advised to agree to equitable distribution Jordan waters before it too late.
Stating he himself had been on verge calling Johnston to discuss Jordan water development, Fawzi emphasized Nasser keenly interested in development all Arab resources, not only oil (re which he said there has been recent discovery in Syria as well as North Africa) but all other resources including water. Fawzi cited his own recent visit to Ghana where development of Volta River is of key importance. He felt Arab capabilities for developing their resources very good and cited UAR management of Suez.
Fawzi went on to indicate regret that “noisy minority” blocked Jordan agreement in 1955. He said and repeated later that Arab people must be made to realize that they have choice either of “slogans or water”. He expressed personal view that some quiet piecemeal approach to Jordan development appeared offer best hope and recommended that any future discussions not be held by group such as Arab League but on individual country basis.
With reference to possible Jordan talk with Nasser in manner which Nasser might judge most appropriate, Fawzi urged such talk not be delayed, and possibility first week in November mentioned. He said he would telegraph Nasser and would report back to Johnston Nasser’s reaction. Johnston expressed his belief it preferable that visit if made be kept as unpublicized as possible and Fawzi agreed.
Fawzi said that while on surface UAR–HKJ relations had improved there still existed some mistrust underneath surface and contact between them limited. Thus he wondered what HKJ attitude might be toward proceeding with unified Jordan development. Johnston referred to discussions he had had with Jordanians during King Hussein’s visit to US last spring2 during which Jordanians indicated failure to reach agreement in 1955 was mistake and evidenced their [Page 209] interest in securing arrangements for equitable division Jordan water system. Fawzi said Cairo could handle Syria in working out satisfactory agreement re Jordan system. He thought Lebs so disinterested technically that it best to ignore GOL in any new discussions.
Fawzi expessed concern re holding Israel to Johnston plan terms. Johnston replied that while he could not commit USG to anything specifically, he thought “persuasion” and “public opinion” would be two strong influences on Israelis. Johnston also pointed out that while refugees would benefit from Jordan valley development he continues to hold to view expressed to Arabs in earlier negotiations that Jordan valley plan not designed as the answer to refugee problem.
For Ambassador: Informal letter enroute to you from Lewis Jones3 which may be of use to you should subject of Jordan waters arise in any discussion you may have with Nasser. Department realizes one swallow does not make summer and that Nasser after calculating political risks may reach conclusion it not possible to undertake further steps re Jordan water development. Nevertheless, Department interested in fact that even allowing for Fawzi’s tendency toward diplomatic niceties, he not only did not rule out discussion with Nasser but seemed genuinely to welcome prospect. Johnston indicated his approach entirely personal, but at same time expressed confidence President and other USG officials continually interested this problem. He carefully pointed out however that no funds on hand and any USG financial assistance could only come if President made recommendations to Congress and Congress responded favorably.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 685.85322/10–1559. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Meyer on October 14, cleared with Ludlow, and approved by Jones who signed for Herter.↩
- See Document 71.↩
- Not found.↩