883.7962/10–1944

The Secretary of State to the Egyptian Minister ( Hassan )16

Sir: As I am sure you are already aware, the United States Government in connection with the prosecution of the war and to expedite the delivery of supplies and lend-lease material to our allies has constructed or improved in whole or in part a large number of airports in various countries including countries in the Near and Middle East as, for example, Payne Field at Cairo. While there appears [Page 62] to be no question with respect to the right of United States military aircraft and aircraft of United States Air Transport Command to use these airports at the present time, in the absence of any clear understanding a question may arise at a later date with respect to the right of United States civil aircraft to use these airports when the time comes for the establishment of commercial services through these regions.

This Government considers that airports which it has helped to construct or improve should be available for the use of United States commercial aircraft on international services or civil aircraft conducting private flights as may be authorized by the countries in whose jurisdiction these airports lie. No infringement of sovereignty is involved; nor does the Government of the United States seek ownership, control or exclusive rights.

The receipt at an early date of a statement of your Government’s attitude in this matter would be greatly appreciated.17

Accept [etc.]

Cordell Hull
  1. Handed on October 20 to a representative of the Egyptian Legation by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs (Kohler), with oral remarks stating that a “similar” note was being delivered to the British, and that this Government did not expect to press negotiations until after the Chicago International Civil Aviation Conference; for note to the British Ambassador (Halifax), October 19, and British aide-mémoire of October 30 in reply, see pp. 490 and 491, respectively. Copies of the notes to the Egyptian and British Governments were forwarded to the Minister in Egypt under instruction No. 1001, October 19, with the statement that the notes set forth “the position of this Government with respect to the use of airports which it has helped to construct or improve. It is contemplated that discussions with respect to these matters will be undertaken during or shortly after the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Conference although they do not form a part of the agenda for that meeting.”(883.248/9–444)
  2. In a note of October 20, 1944, the Egyptian Minister acknowledged receipt of the Secretary’s note (883.7962/10–2044).