783.003/381
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Egypt (Hare)
Sir: Reference is made to the Legation’s despatch No. 2282 of December 21, 1940,63 and to previous correspondence concerning the list [Page 321] of American institutions to be transmitted to the Egyptian Government in accordance with the exchange of letters of Montreux on May 8, 1937.64
The Legation’s action in transmitting a tentative list to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is approved.
As regards furnishing the Egyptian Government with supplementary information concerning American educational, medical and charitable institutions in Egypt, the Department’s instruction No. 470 of June 6, 1940,65 authorized the Legation in its discretion to forward such information to the Foreign Office. However, it is not clear what purpose the Egyptian authorities have in mind in desiring information under certain headings such as properties and curricula. It may be desirable to consider this matter in connection with the fact that foreign, including American, educational institutions in Egypt have recently been under pressure from Egyptian officials with respect to the character and methods of teaching.
Accordingly, the Legation is requested to consult discreetly with American educational leaders and British Embassy officials with a view to submitting to the Department a recommendation as to whether or not the supplementary information, when compiled, should be accompanied by a note embodying an interpretation of the letters exchanged at Montreux. If the Legation considers that a note of this character would be desirable, it is requested to forward a suggested text for the Department’s consideration and approval.
Very truly yours,