Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

780.5/10–1951: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices ¹

secret

Washington, October 19, 1951—7:42 p. m.

371. 1. Dept has considered points in London’s 1915 Oct 18² and Paris’ 2272 Oct 18³ and believes that reaction so far re MEC in Arab States (except Egypt) and Israel requires immed action by four powers in Arab caps and Tel Aviv in order encourage whatever pro-MEC attitude exists. It is obvious from tels from London and Paris that immed agrmt cannot be reached on all points Depcirtel 357 Oct 16.⁴

2. Consequently, Dept now proposes that four powers reach immed agrmt on fol approach to Arab States (except Egypt) and Israel and that we continue meanwhile efforts reach agrmt between four powers for future use on certain other points in Depcirtel which have caused difficulty. Dept wishes stress that we did not intend suggest that ME states (except Egypt) be exhorted join MEC. We believe that four powers shld merely inform these states that four powers intend establish MEC and that we hope Arab States and Israel, independently of Egypt attitude, will give most serious consideration to whole ques which involves vitally their security and welfare.

3. We propose that UK, Fr, Turkey and US reps Arab caps (except Cairo) make fol pts on quadripartite basis: First, use Para 2(a) Depcirtel 357; Second, use Para 2(b) Depcirtel 357; Third, sponsoring powers MEC hope NE states will give most serious consideration to what MEC means in terms their welfare and security. As sponsoring powers proceed in formulation details and org MEC with a view to its early estabmt, views NE states wld be most welcome and helpful. However, States shld be left in no doubt that four powers intend estab MEC and will not be deflected or retarded in this intention.

4. Dept also feels that four powers shld be prepared to reply to queries re UK position in Egypt and for its part US rep wld be authorized reply that US considers Brit forces in Egypt by right conferred under ‘36 Treaty and to point to Secy’s statements of Oct 10 and 17.⁵ US rep wld also be authorized make other points contained Para 3 Depcirtel 357 including last two sentences as US view.

5. Dept strongly hopes that UK, Fr, and Turkey will agree to this greatly simplified approach being made at once. We feel valuable time already lost and such favorable reaction as we have recd from Arab states may change for worse after Arab League mtg if four powers gave impression vacillation.

6. Immed fol tel suggests line rep four powers shld take in Tel Aviv for which immed agrmt also requested.

7. Emb London shld inform FonOff re Para 8 London reftel that Dept considers further formal statement re MEC not neces since as far US concerned intention proceed with MEC has been made clear.

8. Emb Paris shld emphasize to FonOff that above suggested approach has been designed meet Fr views as expressed numbered Para 2 Paris reftel and that we attach great importance earliest action Arab Caps (except Cairo) and Tel Aviv. FYI Fr Amb has not approached Dept.

9. Emb Ankara shld urge FonOff give earliest agrmt and so instruct its reps.

Acheson

1. Drafted by Stabler and G. Lewis Jones, approved and signed for the Secretary by McGhee, cleared with BNA and WE. Sent niact to London, Paris, and operations priority via military channels to Ankara. Repeated for information to Cairo, Baghdad, Jidda, Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Tel Aviv, and Tehran.
2. Ante, p. 231.
3. Supra.
4. Ante, p. 227.
5. On October 10, Secretary Acheson released a statement taking note of the introduction in the Egyptian Chamber of Deputies of draft legislation to abrogate the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936 and the Anglo-Egyptian condominium agreements of 1899 providing for joint administration of the Sudan. The Secretary then stated that “None of the agreements in question provides for abrogation. The U.S. Government believes that proper respect for international obligations requires that they be altered by mutual agreement rather than by unilateral action of one of the parties.” The full text of the Secretary’s statement is in the Department of State Bulletin, October 22, 1951, p. 647. The Secretary’s statement of October 17, took note, with “genuine regret” of the Egyptian rejection of proposals for a Middle East Command (ibid., October 29, 1951, p. 702).