641.74/6–2953: Telegram
No. 1194
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the
Department of State1
2652. In course of lengthy conversation Saturday night between Embassy official and Abd al Nasir, Saah Salim and Hakim Amir question arose of effect of postponement of Bermuda conference on Anglo-Egyptian question.2 Embassy official made point that US–UK discussion of question would probably be delayed by development and expressed hope that Egyptians would continue show admirable restraint and control which has prevailed since Secretary’s visit.
Egyptians replied that although they must continue preparation for any eventuality they will do everything possible keep things quiet until US Government has had time take matter up with British.
Nasir said that position vis-à-vis Britain on Suez issue has not changed but remarked that if after US–UK discussions British attitude remained unchanged situation would enter new phase. In response to request for elucidation of this statement Nasir divulged that plan in event of British failure accept Egyptian offer on base maintenance is to withdraw that offer and publicly take position that no British installations of any kind can be retained in Egypt and no assurance of future availability of base can be given.
Department will note that British view that policy of “firmness” is responsible for present period of calm and that Egyptians will eventually “come around” appears be dangerously at variance with above statements.
I emphasize that an important reason why the RCC have promised us to keep things quiet until our government has had time take up matter with British is that they have confidence in us.
- Repeated to London as telegram 852 and unnumbered to Paris for Reinhardt, to Rome for Unger, to Ankara, to the Arab capitals, and to Frankfurt for Satterthwaite.↩
- See footnote 2, Document 1179.↩