883.20/7–1249: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
2714. Glutton said July 11 UK-Egyptian military talks proceeding satisfactorily after poor start1 when Egyptians indicated desire discuss evacuation. British delegation took position this was political and not military problem and question has therefore been held in abeyance. [Page 220] Egyptians have now accepted British estimate as to probable time-lag between outbreak of war and Soviet attack on Egyptian territory. Glutton commented that Egyptian acceptance British estimate meant that Egypt would have to accept presence British troops to man bases and installations in-order cope with attack at that time. Talks have now proceeded to point where both sides are endeavoring to agree on statements of UK and Egyptian military requirements. Latter understood primarily involve training and scheduling of arms shipments.
Sent Department 2714; repeated Cairo 92; copy to CINCNELM London.
- Anglo-Egyptian military talks were scheduled to begin on June 6 (telegram 2252, June 10, 6 p. m., from London, 741.83/6–1049). Apparently there was a delay, for on July 2, British Ambassador Campbell informed the American Embassy that the talks had “finally begun” (telegram 644, July 5, 8 p. m., from Cairo, 883.20/7–549). London, on July 1, indicated that the British wished to dissuade the Egyptians “from idea large land army” and to convince them that “their principal functions defense Egypt should be anti-aircraft, radar and fighter defense” and “water works” (telegram 2564, 883.20/7–149).↩