811.79680/122
The Department of State to the British Embassy
Aide-mémoire
On April 15, 1942 the British Embassy handed to the Department of State an aide-mémoire 7 on the subject of Pan American Airways services in the Near and Middle East. Reference was made to an attached copy of a note dated February 24, 19427 addressed by Mr. Eden to the United States Ambassador in London on the same subject.
With regard to the air services presently carried on by Pan American Airways into Egypt, and from Cairo to Basra, note is taken of the fact that subject to the approval of the British military authorities, the Egyptian Government would be prepared to grant to Pan American Airways facilities for operating special air services to meet the requirements for official passengers, mail or freight; and that the British Government believes that space in such services in excess of United States military requirements should be confined to material connected with the war effort of the United Nations, and that British and Allied military material should have priority after United States military material.
[Page 22]It is the view of this Government that Pan American Airways, in respect of the services to Egypt, and from Cairo to Basra, is operating a facility for the benefit of the Government of the United States and the United Nations. As this is done at the expense of the United States, it would seem that the United States should be free to make use of any unfilled space on these planes for non-commercial, civilian use approved by the United States authorities in the region. If the phrase “material connected with the war effort of the United Nations” is interpreted in this sense, and is not restricted to what may be regarded as “military use”, this Government could accept the point of view of the aide-mémoire under reference.
This Government is not prepared to accept without qualification the suggestion that British and Allied military material should have priority after United States military material, irrespective of circumstances. It is believed that the needs of the situation will be adequately met if the competent authority of the United States on the ground is instructed to give full consideration to British and Allied military needs in determining priorities.
It will readily be appreciated that travel for diplomatic and other government personnel, though civilian, may in many instances outrank in necessity non-exigent space requirements for British and Allied military material. Repatriation of American citizens might, in various contingencies, take priority over such material, depending on the circumstances. Determination of priority must be decided by the sound judgment of the competent authority on the ground in the light of circumstances, rather than by blanket rule.
Should the particular question of a commercial air service over Egyptian territory require examination, the United States Government is entirely willing to discuss it in the first place with the British Government. It believes, however, that such discussion could be more adequately held in Washington rather than in Cairo.
The Government of the United States agrees with the British Government that the present moment is not opportune for discussion of post-war commercial air services between Cairo and Basra, and in Sudan and Egyptian territory. As and when exploration of this subject appears desirable, it will feel free to take the matter up with the British Government, and has every confidence that through frank exchange of views, a solution of any problems then arising may be arrived at.
In conclusion, the Department expresses the hope that no attempt will be made by either Government, or by companies acting for either Government, to set up arrangements which would exclude air transport lines of the other, except after consultation through diplomatic channels. It is believed that at a future time, consultation between the two Governments on the entire subject of commercial air routes [Page 23] in Africa and in the Middle East will be advantageous to both Governments and it is, accordingly, hoped that no arrangements exclusive in character will be made until such general consultation shall have been had.