974.531/7–1451: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt 1
priority
87. 1. Counselor, Egypt Emb called on Dept Jul 17 on instrs and referring ur talk with FonMin (Embtel 46, Jul 14)2 inquired if Egypt [Page 782] “eased” restrictions for maritime powers without in any way changing restrictions as they affect Israel, US wld be willing seek postponement SC debate. Egypt UNDel spoke along same line with USDel.
2. Dept pointed out time now running out and only way debate cld be postponed wld be for Egypt lift all restrictions voluntarily soonest. Dept made clear that only complete removal restrictions cld justify any action looking toward postponement and expressed doubts it wld be practicable proceed along line suggested by Egypt Emb. (FYI It is understood that no mtg yet sched but may take place next week.) Dept also pointed out that quiet suspension of restrictions or their alleviation to pt of invisibility wld probably satis maritime powers. When Dept inquired whether Egypt approach might be discussed with Brit and Fr, Egypt Emb Rep said he preferred matter remain between US and Egypt at this time.
3. Counselor promised report conversation to FonMin but emphasized tremendous difficulties involved Egypt Govt taking this action.
4. Dept feels that ur approach has had beneficial effect on Egypt Govt which may prefer not face full SC airing and is endeavoring find way out. We are concerned ugly prospect of SC debate this subj which cld be Pandora’s Box. We wld like to help Egypt off limb of its Suez restrictions particularly since latter so enmeshed in polit sit UK that it goes far prevent Brit moves toward Egypt’s mil needs and aspirations. However we do not believe maritime powers willing accept anything less than alleviation restrictions amounting to their removal. If Egypt prefers make only oral undertaking to this effect this might suffice secure support for postponement debate but later dropping of issue as having no foundation in fact wld depend on visible evidence this undertaking, i.e. passage ships and goods through Canal without interference. Shld Egypt wish follow this line we wld do what we cld to put it across. If line is to be attempted, however, its success or failure will be Egypt’s responsibility.
5. You may wish mention conversations reported in this and Deptel 73 July 163 to FonMin and in ur discretion points made in above para. While you will know best how to handle this, it is important that Eg not gain impression we are too eager about this.4
- Drafted by Mr. Stabler (NE); cleared with BNA, UNP, and L/NEA; signed for the Secretary by Mr. McGhee. Repeated priority to London, Paris, Tel Aviv, and New York, and by air to Jidda, Baghdad, Ankara, Damascus, Beirut, and Amman.↩
- Telegram 46 from Cairo, July 14, not printed, is summarized in footnote 3 to telegram 40 to Cairo, p. 753.↩
- Ante, p. 772.↩
- Ambassador Caffery reported in telegram 88 from Cairo, July 22, not printed, that the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed high appreciation in connection with the contents of the Department’s telegram 87. Salaheddin said that Egyptian public opinion would not let the Egyptian Government go further than considerable alleviation of restrictions and would not stand for their removal. (974.531/7–2251)↩