774.5/4–1153: Telegram
No. 1142
The Ambassador in the United
Kingdom (Aldrich) to the Department of
State1
5533. Reference Cairo’s 2222, April 10, Foreign Office has instructed Creswell merely to confirm to Fawzi HMG’s hope talks can begin 20 and to avoid being drawn into discussion regarding substance any Egyptian announcement. Foreign Office says, in this connection, that its main interest is in avoiding situation in which UK placed in position of having contradict Egyptians regarding scope of talks. This has been made quite clear to Egyptians and UK can only hope, therefore, they will show proper restraint. For its part, Foreign Office says it presently plans no announcement regarding opening conversations and hopes to be able get away with anodyne statement in response any inquiries resulting from Egyptian publicity. Foreign Office emphasizes, however, extent to which government can do this depends Egyptian restraint.
Foreign Office says Robertson’s role will be seat of adviser to Stevenson with full responsibility for coordinating military aspects of problem. Fawzi has suggested talks open in Cairo and that technical [Page 2047] committees adjourn to Canal Zone soon thereafter in order facilitate inspection facilities, etc. Foreign Office seems think this is sensible procedure.
Forethought if Stevenson’s discharge from hospital delayed much beyond 20, Churchill would probably authorize Creswell open negotiations.
- Repeated to Cairo as telegram 299.↩