883.00/12–2349: Telegram
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
secret
Cairo, December 23, 1949—3 p. m.
1166. The King’s principal advisers after much recent discussion among themselves have decided to propose next week to the King that Egypt propose a definite boundary solution for peace with Israel. They have decided also to propose that this step be taken in the near future without waiting for the results of the election.1
Repeat to McGhee.
Caffery
- This telegram was made a subject of a circular telegram sent December 27, 2 a. m., to London, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Amman, and New York. (800.00 Summaries/12–2749) Ambassador McDonald, in reply on December 31, 11 p. m., stated that “It would be helpful here if Caffery could elaborate Cairo’s attitude. I am sure Israel would welcome Egypt if approached directly or through US Government or otherwise. Sharett told me December 31 Israel had responded favorably to recent information Egyptian suggestions in MAC that those exchanges be broadened to include political issues. To date no Egyptian reply to Israel’s willingness broaden MAC.” (telegram 924, from Tel Aviv, 867N.01/12–3149)↩