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

745W.00/11–1552: Telegram

No. 1027
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State¹

secret

London, November 15, 1952—1 p.m.

2798. Following points emerged from conversation with FonOff yesterday re Sudan:

1. FonOff hopeful Brit Emb Cairo and Sudan admin close to agreement re recommendations on future course of action on Egypt proposals which can then be considered by Eden prior replying Naguib. Robertson going Cairo within next day or two in effort complete agreement and FonOff hopes be able reply Naguib end next week. (Embassy regards this timetable as overly optimistic.)

2. FonOff generally applauds approach to Sudan problem reflected Egtyptian note. It recognizes that it took great courage on Naguib’s part to alter policies of previous govts. Naguib has now been astute enough to realize that through this kind of approach to problem, Egypt has opportunity within next three years to reestablish position of influence in Sudan.

3. Consideration of Egyptian note has been somewhat hampered by inconsistencies between its provisions and agreements with various Sudan parties. Most of these differences can probably be resolved quite easily, altho some may prove troublesome (e.g., agreement with SAR provides Sudanese members Advisory Council shall be chosen by Sudan Parliament, while note says they shall be proposed by UK and Egypt subject subsequent approval by Sudan Parliament, etc.).

4. On more fundamental aspects of Egyptian proposals, FonOff preliminary views are that following require close examination with Egyptians:

a. Proposal that Govt-Gens responsibilities for South should be subject Advisory Council procedure. FonOff feels this will be unpopular in South and administratively undesirable, feels present provision of new constitution should be obtained whereby South is among Governor Generals reserved powers.

b. Provisions of new constitution relating to Gov-Gens emergency powers should be retained substantially as they are at present and not made subject Advisory Council procedure which would be too slow and cumbersome in event quick and decisive action necessary.

c. Sudanisation Committee procedures, if adopted, wld undoubtedly result injection political factors into dipl service with consequent dissatisfaction and widespread resignations. FonOff prefers public service commission provided by new Sudan constitution, possibly with addition Egyptian member. Alternatively Egyptian Sudanisation Committee might be set up but merely empowered make a report for consideration of Sudanese Ministers on how Sudanisation should proceed.

d. Other lesser points, such as proposal that elder of Sudanese Commissioners should act in Govt-Gens absence.

5. Re Advisory Council, FonOff sees no objection this procedure in principle (with exceptions outlined above) but feels new Sudan Parliament should have opportunity express its views on relationship Gov-Gen to Council. FonOff maintains, in this connection, that Council procedure is after all fundamental constitutional innovation which representative body of Sudanese should have opportunity examine in same way as rest of constitution.

6. In light foregoing, FonOff considering proposing to Egypt that following steps be taken in order set forth:

a. UK and Egypt should issue joint public statement recording principles which guide them, i.e., self-government, self-determination within three years, etc. It would further state that immediate problem is to hold elections and would announce intention to set up election commission to oversee them. Finally, it would agree in principle to setting up an Advisory Council and announce intention Brit and Egyptian Govts to work out between them their ideas re relationship between Council and Gov-Gen on which Sudanese Parliament would then be given opportunity to express its views.

b. Electoral Commission would be set up as soon as possible and decide districts in which direct elections should be held. Constitution would be amended accordingly and elections held as soon as possible.

c. Meanwhile UK and Egypt would endeavor agree on relationship between Gov-Gen and Advisory Council, including problems outlined para 4 above, with Sudanese Parliament expressing its views thereon when established.

7. FonOff expresses optimism Naguib might agree some such program as foregoing in view his oft-repeated comments to Stevenson that his proposals are not immutable. FonOff recognizes South and emergency powers likely prove very troublesome but hopes with goodwill both sides difficulties can be ironed out.

Gifford

1. Repeated to Cairo as telegram 151, to Khartoum as telegram 2, and unnumbered to Rome for Unger and to Paris for Reinhardt.