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

745W.00/11–1952: Telegram

No. 1030
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State¹

secret

London, November 19, 1952—6 p.m.

2861. Fol is abbreviated text statement on Sudan (Embtel 2798 Nov 15) which Stevenson has now been instructed discuss with Naguib, probably tomorrow:

Begin Text.

HMG and Egypt Govt firmly believe in right of Sudanese to self-determination and effective exercise thereof at proper time and with necessary safeguards.

2. Two govts agree that in order enable Sudanese to exercise self-determination in free and neutral atmosphere, transitional period proved in full self-govt for Sudanese shall begin forthwith.

3. Two govts further agree this transitional period shall be considered as period of preparation for effective termination dual administration and that during transitional period sovereignty of Sudan shall be kept in reserve for Sudanese until self-determination achieved.

4. Further agreed between two govts that in order give effect soon as possible to principle enunciated above, a mixed comm shall be appointed forthwith in connection with elections to be held in Sudan in accordance self-govt statute which will shortly be promulgated. Function this comm will be to observe and supervise preparations for and conduct of free and impartial elections. Comm shall consist three Sudanese appointed by Governor General, one Egypt, one Brit, one Amer and one Indian or Pakistani, nominated by respective govts, and Indian or Pakistani member shall be chairman.

5. Two govts also agree establish advisory comm of five members to advise Gov-Gen in exercise certain his powers under new interim constitution. Members commission shall be two Sudanese, one Egyptian, one British and one Indian or Pakistani. Egyptian and British Goverments now urgently considering how this comm shld be constituted, its functions and its terms of ref.

6. Two govts agree preparations for elections in Sudan shall go forward notwithstanding these discussions and that newly elected Sudan Parliament shall be consulted re functions of advisory comm.

End Text.

FonOff considering instructing Stevenson alter foregoing before discussion with Naguib by specifying Indian member for election comm in para 4 and Pakistani on advisory comm in para 5.

Gifford

1. Repeated to Cairo as telegram 154, to Khartoum as telegram 5, and unnumbered to Paris for Reinhardt and to Rome for Unger.