641.74/4–2853: Telegram
No. 1148
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the
Department of State1
priority
2323. The Minister of Foreign Affairs says that the atmosphere of the meetings yesterday and today was not heavy. There was no disagreeable incident. Neither side took an entrenched position. Each side stated its case but with moderation.
Yesterday’s meeting was confined to statements of position. At the meeting this morning it was agreed to proceed with the discussion of three questions: First, evacuation, second, maintenance of base, third, air defense, and that a committee should be set for each of these and that each committee should thereafter set up its own pertinent, technical sub-committees. Considerable progress was made as to terms of reference for these but final agreement as to wording was not reached. It is hoped to reach final agreement tomorrow.
(The Egyptians will propose for discussion a little later the subject of requirements of the Egyptian Armed Forces.)
[Page 2052]Fawzi then said he would like to emphasize the urgent need of speed especially in view of the inimical attitude of certain elements of the Egyptian public, Communists and some of the Wafd, to the present negotiations and to the fact that some members of the regime have been very doubtful about the government’s undertaking these conversations. Also he has secured a promise from the RCC members to make “no big noises” in public that might have bearing on the negotiations.
He talked about the British charges of attacks on British cars and drivers in the Canal Zone. He firmly denied any Egyptian official responsibility and contended that they were probably the work of Egyptian individuals unfriendly to the present regime. He added that in any event the government would take immediate appropriate steps.
- Repeated to London as telegram 753 and unnumbered to Paris for Reinhardt, to Rome for Unger, to Ankara, and to the Arab capitals.↩