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

745W.00/12–2452: Telegram

No. 1053
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State¹

secret

London, December 24, 1952—5 p.m.

3528. Following regarding Sudan obtained from Foreign Office.

1. Foreign Office “cautious optimism” reported Embtel 3479 Dec 23² based primarily on what it regards as more flexible Egyptian approach reflected in working level discussions. Foreign Office indicates this may be somewhat illusory in view Salem’s disposition be more reasonable than higher committee.

2. Her Majesty’s Government has decided and so informed Stevenson that United Kingdom must stick on essence of principles involved in: (1) Governor-General’s emergency powers; (2) Governor-General’s responsibility for South; and (3) Sudanization as one but not determinant factor in self-determination at end three years. Despite Foreign Office characterization of these as “sticking points”, it continues express mild optimism that compromise formulas can be evolved to which both sides can agree.

3. Reports from Governor-General continue stress increasingly strong fears in South that United Kingdom will give up “safeguards” in course negotiations. Foreign Office says Northern Journalists now visiting South have been given “rough reception”. Governor-General has suggested Her Majesty’s Government consider making statement to reassure South regarding “safeguards,” but Foreign Office not inclined do so, except possibly after agreement with Egyptians at which time might consider saying regard agreement as providing satisfactory safeguards for South.

Foreign Office does not appear concerned regarding Naguib’s protest at slowness of negotiations. Embassy has not mentioned Naguib’s approach to Ambassador Caffery (Cairo’s 1506 Dec 23)³ since it is unsure whether matter has been mentioned to Stevenson.⁴ Embassy suggests Cairo may wish inform British Embassy in order offset apparent British impression from Stevenson’s use of word “mild” that Naguib not particularly concerned.

Gifford

1. Repeated to Cairo as telegram 177.
2. In telegram 3479 from London, Dec. 23, not printed, Ambassador Gifford reported that the Foreign Office was optimistic about the chance for an early settlement of the Sudan question. Foreign Office officials indicated that much progress had been made in Cairo on the basis of the formula reported in telegram 3406 from London, supra. (641.74/12–2352)
3. Not printed.
4. Ambassador Caffery informed the Department in telegram 1516, Dec. 26, not printed, that the Embassy had informed the British Embassy of Naguib’s approach to Caffery. (745W.00/12–2652)