974.5301/8–151: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Department of State
178. Re Suez: Sarper gave Ross today summary long conversation he had with Fawzi yesterday. Fawzi gave Sarper essentially same story he gave Gross and Ross Monday with following significant additions:
- 1.
- Fawzi very explicitly and categorically said Egypt would not comply with SC resolution. Sarper thinks this is no bluff and is himself convinced Egyptians will not comply. Fawzi argued this would be first time Egypt had not complied whereas Israelis had many times failed to comply with UN resolutions. Moreover, US, UK, Netherlands as parties to dispute would not be entitled to vote; therefore resolution would be illegal.
- 2.
- Fawzi, re alternative oil refining facilities, spoke of Turkey as well as Egypt and Lebanon as alternative locations. He said setting up of alternative facilities was matter of 3 to 6 months; meanwhile, restrictions would be alleviated. He went further, however, indicating if assurances were forthcoming that alternative facilities would be established Egypt would abolish restrictions forthwith.
Ross gave Sarper full, frank exposé US present attitude and course: (a) Restrictions contrary at least spirit of armistice agreement and obstacle to peace and stability NE; (b) we did not agree argument state war, belligerency; (c) Egypt wrong and objective should be voluntary lifting restrictions soonest. We prepared co-sponsor resolution and working out details with UK and French dels. On arriving at agreed text would of course give to Sarper (he urged to be given text in time to get instructions; otherwise, no choice but abstain). We also thought we might give text to Fawzi (and Israelis) as fair warning; Sarper thought this good idea.
On question of rapporteur, Sarper informed UK FonOff against, French del favored, US position still reserved. (Coulson personal view that rapporteur idea might well serve useful purpose if time limit one week set.)
Sarper convinced and strongly expressed view that if solution can be found at all it can only be found outside SC. Reserved re rapporteur idea. If function only to report back to SC, no useful purpose. If get matter settled outside council, might be worthwhile. In any case minimum of 2 weeks necessary, taking into account (a) slowness communications between Cairo and Egyptian del here and (b) necessity Egypt consult other Arab States.