641.74/7–1553: Telegram
No. 1205
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Egypt1
priority
66. For Caffery from Secretary for information only. Text of President’s reply to Naguib being transmitted separate cable.
While discussions somewhat inconclusive believe considerable progress made. Our impression is that discussions left only three points of Egyptian formula which British resist strongly. These are questions of uniforms for technicians, conditions for availability of Base and duration. We do not believe question of uniforms would alone become breaking point. As to availability and duration our Defense people fully share desirability of British formula, particularly regarding “threat” and also no possibility of equivocation that Base available to UK and US. As regards duration we fully agree three years too short. We have feeling Robertson formulated text which he erroneously thought would appeal to us as containing idea of MEDO. As he personally thinks little of MEDO concept, believe he will try to get new formula prior to talking to Egyptians. They may try for straight ten-year agreement in place of complicated [Page 2121] formula. We would prefer this although recognize ten years may be difficult.
Procedure is complicated by the fact that Egyptians do not accept us as co-negotiatiors with UK and UK unwilling recognize us as mediators. Therefore next step must be resumption presumably on informal basis of contacts at Cairo between Robertson and Egyptian representatives. Also situation complicated by political factors which are strong influence London as well as Cairo.
Egyptian initiative in approaching us has been valuable as it enabled us to have frank talks with Salisbury and Robertson which we believe will be reflected in greater flexibility unless London political factors prevent. However, Egyptians will have to show patience and flexibility also. Believe Robertson personally shares our view that what is to be done must now be done quickly. He also shares your concern of split within RCC and fears elements favoring no agreement will grow in strength.
You will be advised later as things develop, and as appropriations become firm, action to be taken by you in connection with President’s mention of your role in economic and military assistance discussions.
- Repeated priority to London as telegram 262. Drafted by the Secretary of State and Byroade and approved by Byroade.↩