741.83/7–1447: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
3003. Embtel 3607, July 1. You may say to Lascelles, speaking quite informally, that Brit proposals to set up a joint Consultative Defense Board and to evacuate their troops entirely from Egypt by Sept 1 1949 seem reasonable. It has occurred to us, however, that if some [Page 781] concession re date of evacuation of troops proper as distinct from guards and transport units for stores could be made, it might be helpful especially if in form of unilateral Brit commitment outside any treaty framework. Such commitment might perhaps be contingent upon specific Egyptian request.
With regard to Sudan, it seems to us that Brit position that at some time in future Sudanese should have right to opt for their political status, even complete independence, is a strong one. However we are inclined to think it might be easier for Egyptians to accept general formula carrying this principle than formula relating specifically and solely to Sudan now carried in protocol. For example, first sentence of protocol might read somewhat along following lines utilizing language contained in Chapter XI of UN Charter: “The policy which the High Contracting Parties undertake to follow in the Sudan (within the framework of the unity between the Sudan and Egypt under the common crown of Egypt) will have for its essential objectives to promote to the utmost within the system of international peace and security established by the Charter of the United Nations the well-being of the inhabitants of the Sudan, and, to this end, to assist them in the progressive development of their free institutions, and to take into due account, among other factors, their political aspirations.” It occurs to us that some such formula would have advantage of utilizing set of principles and procedures to which both Brit and Egyptians are already committed.
Looking at matter as objectively as possible, however, we inclined to doubt whether foregoing would go far enough because of Egyptian anxiety over what will happen in Sudan from now to time of option. According our understanding, Egypt considers that in interim period Egypt should have opportunity to put best foot forward in Sudan, so that when time comes for Sudanese to opt they will have had fair opportunity to judge what advantages and disadvantages tie with Egypt would entail. We wonder whether in this respect consideration might be given to some concession not jeopardizing any Brit vital interest but which would serve to provide Egypt with more active participation in administration and development of Sudan. Suggested opportunity for Egypt to put best foot forward might include such arrangements as appointment reasonable numbers of Egyptian officials by Egypt with Brit concurrence, opportunity for investment Egyptian capital in business enterprises and public works.
It has further occurred to us that if Brit should consider arrangements along line preceding para at all feasible (doubtless safeguards would be necessary to prevent EG from putting worst foot forward in Sudan) they might wish so state in connection with renewal Bevin [Page 782] offer to work out agreement with Egyptians and Sudanese. Perhaps this offer could take form of suggestion that tripartite commission work out details in Sudan itself after making comprehensive visit to that country.
In sum, viewing matter as impartially as we can, main Egyptian apprehensions re Sudan seem to us to be, first, that if present administration continues unchanged dice are in effect loaded against future tie with Egypt; second, that Egypt really knows little about Sudan and problems except in relation to basic Egyptian interests such as Nile waters and cultural bonds with North. It would seem to us that tripartite commission working in Sudan itself might lead to easing both difficulties. Finally, we are inclined to feel that although Egyptian case before SC may be weak, should Egyptians later refer Sudan problem to GA they might receive substantial support for claim to equal share in operation of condominium.