Office of the Historian

124.83/87: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt (Kirk)

Washington, June 30, 1942—11 p.m.

649. With further reference to the final paragraph of your 1091, June 27, 11 a.m., we agree that there is no point in leaving only consular personnel in Egypt.

While as previously stated it is desired to place full authority and discretion in your hands regarding future movements, the following comment is made:

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As Egypt is neither a co-belligerent nor an ally of this Government, we believe that your decisions can properly be governed by the practical consideration of where you and your staff can be most useful. If American citizens largely evacuate Egypt and the Axis occupies the country, we cannot see that your remaining would serve any useful purpose as neither the Egyptian Government, if it remains, nor the Legation would have any liberty of action. We should be deprived of the valuable services of yourself and your staff for no sufficient reason. Presumably the British Embassy has to consider the Anglo-Egyptian alliance factor which however has no direct application to your situation and no indirect application of real importance that we can perceive.

Is any consideration being given to Khartoum for the Egyptian Government, the British Embassy, and yourselves? And have you considered the feasibility of your proceeding by plane to Jeddah?

Hull