780.5/10–1751: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State
1891. Depcirtel 357,1 October 16 discussed with Bowker today. He confirmed HMG still firm in decision set up MEC and felt it important make it clear our determination act vigorously to implement proposals. He seemed doubtful at first re desirability approaching other Arab States at this time, however, on grounds: (1) we did not want give impression of chasing after them; and (2) impression gained as result Ankara talks that Turks much more interested in NATO than MEC. He seemed think this might require further convs with Turks re their role and that it might be better four powers review whole question and determine command structure before going to other ME states.
We pointed out that if we delayed matter this long, other Arab States wld probably be galvanized into common front with Egypt as [Page 230] result Arab League meeting. We said it seemed to us that, although hopes might not be bright, we shld nevertheless strike now in hope obtaining coop other states and possibly isolating Egypt on this question. Insofar as Turkey concerned, we pointed out she was also being asked join this approach which it seemed to us wld have effect, if she agreed, of committing her further to MEC. Bowker seemed impressed with these arguments and, at end of conv, seemed entirely favorable to proceeding along lines suggested by Dept, with following two suggested changes:
- (1)
- Addition of sentence at end para 2 (b) along following lines: “The Egypt rejection has therefore not in any way altered our determination proceed with our plans”;
- (2)
- Omission of penultimate sentence para 2 (d) beginning “Once a state has indicated”.
Effect of foregoing suggested changes wld be to make clear our determination proceed in any event and to remove any implication other ME states can affect shape of command, which Bowker thought wld be most unwise.
Foregoing were prelim reactions only. Bowker promised urgent consideration and will try give us reply tomorrow.
Sent Dept 1891, rptd info Ankara 27, Cairo 59, Paris 744.
- Supra.↩