974.531/5–2551: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
6159. For the Secretary. In my opinion Eden really feels that UK shld follow tactics re Suez Canal outlined mytel 5894 May 111 (Deptel 5424 May 23).2 He is not the sort of man to make a suggestion of this type without giving it full thought and particularly in a conversation with me. Evidence that he continues to entertain these views found in his Empire Day speech last night when, after referring to progressive deterioration of respect for international obligations, he stated “In Egypt in two years past, our tankers to Haifa have been denied right of passage thru Suez Canal, though under terms of convention, Canal shld be free from blockade in peace and war.”
He contd that two months ago there had been debate “when Commons was virtually unanimous, in speech at least, against govt granting facilities to Egypt to acquire oil while Brit tankers were still being denied passage thru canal.” Yet when it came to the division, govt had won by three votes, and he supposed that business was still going on and Brit tankers to Haifa were still being stopped. “Giving away just internatl rights does not win peace. That is appeasement at its worst. We have been pushed around a little too much of late. That is bad for us and bad for other countries and it is bad for peace. For sometime past I have thought that we should call halt to that process.”
Fact that Churchill was present when Eden discussed his proposal with Morrison indicates that it had former’s support. I shall endeavor discreetly to ascertain views other conservative leaders in matter, but I am inclined to feel that those who have given any thought to subj wld be reluctant to take issue with party leader and deputy leader [Page 700] even tho they personally might have some misgivings re wisdom of move this type.
Will advise Eden when opportunity arises as you suggest.