124.83/87: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:50 p.m.]
1091. Department’s 602, June 23, 6 p.m. I am confidentially informed that following is present status of British evacuation plans in event of Axis occupation of Egypt.
- 1.
- As regards British Colony it is regarded that adequate facilities have been provided in past for their departure and there is no question of a general plan for their evacuation in time of crisis. Every effort would be made however to evacuate British and Allied persons liable to be shot if captured, persons possessing information valuable [Page 84] to the enemy and possibly women and children although it seems doubtful if much could be done for this last category.
- 2.
- British consular officers would remain behind and would presumably be captured.
- 3.
- British Ambassador and a nucleus of officers would accompany Egyptian Government should it move out of the country but it has not been decided whether Ambassador and staff would remain should Government not move. Instructions in this latter connection have been requested from London by Embassy but have not yet been received.
In event that, because of the nonbelligerent status of Egypt or considerations of prestige, British Ambassador should be directed to remain here irrespective of eventualities, I should of course so report with a view to the possible modification of instructions contained Department’s telegram under reference but since time may not permit my so doing I should appreciate receiving immediate instructions authorizing me to use my discretion as regards my own movements and those of our diplomatic and consular personnel in Egypt with special reference to associating ourselves with the British along the lines of procedure which they may follow. I might add that in my opinion no useful purpose would be served by our leaving only consular personnel here.