Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 2

774.5 MSP/10–1552: Airgram

No. 1017
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt

secret

Washington, October 15, 1952.

A–139. There follows a suggested text for an exchange of notes between the United States and Egypt extending the 408(e) agreement of April 30, 1952. Acceptance by the Egyptian Government of the terms of the suggested note would allow Egypt to purchase military equipment, materials and services on a cash reimbursable basis for units other than police units:

“I have the honor to refer to the notes exchanged between our two Governments on April 29 and April 30, 1952,¹ concerning certain understandings relating to the furnishing of military equipment, materials, and services to the Government of Egypt on a reimbursable basis. My Government understands that equipment, materials, or services may be made available under that Agreement for use by units of the Egyptian armed forces other than police units, subject to the understandings set forth in numbered paragraphs 1 through 5 contained in my note of April 29, 1952. My Government also understands that, for the purpose of paragraph 1 of that note, any equipment or materials or services which may be acquired by the Government of Egypt from the Government of the United States are required for and will be used solely for Egypt’s internal security and legitimate self-defense or as may be further mutually agreed between our two Governments for the promotion of international peace and security within the framework of the Charter of the United Nations. In this connection, my Government wishes to reiterate its adherence to the joint Declaration by the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and France, issued on May 25, 1950.²

“I have the honor to propose that, if these understandings are acceptable to your Government, this note and your Excellency’s note in reply will be considered as confirming these understandings, effective on the date of your Excellency’s reply.

“Accept, etc.”

The above form would obviate the necessity for the long form 408 (e. agreement contained in Deptel 1581 Apr 11. This suggested draft is intended for discussion with the Egyptian authorities at such time as the Embassy might believe useful. It is felt that this draft would be more acceptable than the previous long form.

Bruce

1. See telegram 1898 from Cairo, Document 978.
2. The reference is to the “Tripartite Declaration Regarding Security in the Near East”, the text of which is in the Department of State Bulletin, June 5, 1950, p. 886. For further documentation regarding the Tripartite Declaration, see Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. V, pp. 122 ff.