Editorial Note
In telegram 2095 from Paris, October 9, Ambassador Bruce reported that at a meeting that morning at SHAPE, General Bradley and British and French military officials unanimously and strongly agreed that if the tripartite military mission could proceed from Ankara to Cairo to make presentations to Egypt regarding the Middle East Command, assisted by Turkish representations, “such action might be most helpful in preventing present Egypt situation from deteriorating further …” (780.5/10–951). In telegram 446 from Cairo of October 12, Ambassador Caffery stated that as of that day, the four Ambassadors (United States, United Kingdom, France, and Turkey) were very uncertain as to the repercussions of a visit from Generals Bradley and Lecheres and Field Marshal Slim to Cairo “especially as discussions on bills abrogating treaty, etc. will begin in Parliament on Monday” (780.5/10–1251). In telegram 472 of October 13, Caffery informed the Department of State that he had asked the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs about the possibility of a visit by General Bradley and had been told that “visit wld not be expedient now” (780.5/10–1351). In telegram 337 of October 13 to Ankara, repeated niact to Cairo, London, and Paris, Wells Stabler, signing for Secretary Acheson, informed Wadsworth and Bradley that in view of telegram 472 from Cairo, the State and Defense Departments concurred that “Gen Bradley and other Gens shld not proceed Egypt” (780.5/10–1351).