774.00/10–2152: Telegram
No. 1018
The Acting
Secretary of State to the Embassy
in Egypt1
826. On Oct 20 Dept gave Egypt MA Wash substance our reply Naguib msg Sep 18 and explained in detail what we had in mind. MA’s main query was whether we wld be prepared to meet immed requirements of Egypt Armed Forces in return for “verbal” assurances from Naguib. Dept stated best way handle this type question is immed discussions between Emb Cairo and High Comite reps, and indicated that we wld probably look favorably on reasonable immed mil requirements. Dept stressed, however, that so far, we had no idea what Egypt requirements might be. MA concerned lest Naguib be required give assurances with no prior promise US wld do something. We endeavored to make clear that we are prepared to do something, but do not know what Egypts want. Ghaleb seemed concerned re commitments outlined our reply and felt they went too far, particularly re Anglo-Egypt question. Dept explained that it was Naguib who had raised question of commitments and we were merely responding to this, trying to make it as easy as possible for Naguib. In return, we only asked that Naguib make coop which we desire as easy as possible for us. Dept also told Ghaleb that we had already prepared and transmitted to Emb Cairo suggested text to broaden present 408(e) agreement to cover armed forces.
Ghaleb said High Comite particularly concerned we had given Egypt Amb Amin’s name.2 High Comite had hoped keep question confidential between it and USG. Dept indicated to Ghaleb we had naturally assumed that since Egypt Amb represents Egypt, he shld [Page 1873] be brought into picture. Ghaleb agreed, but inferred that in future High Comite expected him to be contact on this question.
- Repeated to London as telegram 2822.↩
- This is a reference to Colonel Amin’s approach to the Embassy in Cairo described in telegram 730, Document 1010.↩