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

641.74/7–453: Telegram

No. 1197
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

secret
priority

Washington, July 4, 1953—1:47 p.m.

17. Noforn. In continuing effort devise means secure early resumption Anglo-Egyptian discussions re Suez Base on basis offering chance of agreement and to prepare for Foreign Minister talks, formula given below in abbreviated form developed at working level. Formula endeavors establish framework for each of main points of disagreement apparent from Anglo-Egyptian discussions within which parties would seek reach understanding. Embassy comments requested soonest.

I. Technical Management of Base

Egyptian Base Commander.

British officer on staff as Technical Adviser and as officer in charge British technicians.

Messages from British War Office sent to Base communications center from where action copies routed Technical Adviser and information copies Base Commander.

Disagreements between Technical Adviser and Base Commander over action taken by Technical Adviser on messages from War Office settled by diplomatic means or other established procedure.

II. Movement Matériel from Base

UK accorded full right move British matériel in or out of Base any time anywhere at its discretion. No major increase in level supplies without Egyptian consent.

III. Number Technicians

Limited absolute minimum required for efficient operation installations.

Original number reduced progressively in accordance fixed schedule as Egyptian personnel trained replace British.

Within X years all British except top echelon supervisors replaced by Egyptians.

Specific numbers determined by committee experts.

IV. Duration Agreement

Need for arrangements created depend upon world conditions outside control either party.

Review agreement in X years to determine whether continued, altered or abrogated. If parties unable agree, it continues with following exception:

If parties disagree re retention supervisors referred to Number III Para 3 they shall be withdrawn. In such case British inspectors attached to staff British Embassy with right inspect Egyptian maintenance British-owned matériel at Base.

V. Future Availability Base

(We discussing acceptable language with Defense.)

VI. Military and Economic Consultations

On conclusion agreement re Base Egypt to invite US, UK, and if she desires other, military and economic experts to discuss defense plans and economic problems including measures strengthen Egypt militarily and economically.

Smith

1. Also sent priority to London as telegram 99.