641.74/7–1553: Telegram
No. 1206
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Egypt1
priority
69. There follows text of President’s reply to Naguib’s letter of July 11 for delivery by you.
Begin text.
“Dear Friend: I was happy to recieve through Ambassador Caffery your letter of July 11 together with the suggestions contained in the new formula of your Government regarding the Suez Canal Base. The assurances which you convey of Egypt’s readiness to play her full part in furthering the military strength and economic and social stability of the Middle East are particularly welcome.
The proposals advanced by your Government constitute a significant step forward although in some respects they leave certain difficulties unsolved. I believe I must state to you in all candor that I find certain points adversely affecting the security interests of my [Page 2122] own country. These points deal with the future availability of the Base and the duration of any agreement between you and the United Kingdom. I have no doubt that both of these questions present to you certain political problems. Nevertheless, I am sure you would like to know that it is my own view that the security of Egypt itself could not help but be affected should there be an unfortunate recurrence of global warfare or of enemy attack on areas other than those lying inside the Arab States. I would hope you could take this factor into account. I also feel that the limitation of three years leaves insufficient time on which to base sound strategic planning in this troubled world.
Lord Salisbury, the Acting Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for Great Britain has been here for discussions on a number of problems including the one to which your letter refers. I thought it advisable to make him aware of your proposals and our views thereon which include the above points. My assessment of this situation is that your views and those of the British Government are not now so far apart.
It is my belief that the next step should now be taken through a resumption of contact between your Government and the British representatives in Egypt. Sir Brian Robertson, who attended the talks here, should be returning to Cairo shortly and, so we are informed, will be available to discuss the situation.
As part of an overall solution, I am prepared to see firm commitments entered into between our Governments to assist you in your plans for Egypt’s economic development and in the strengthening of your armed forces to discharge their increased responsibilities. I have been assured that the United Kingdom is also willing to help. I am prepared to authorize Ambassador Caffery to enter into discussions on these matters. I would hope we could arrive at an understanding which would be simultaneous with the signature of the Base agreements between yourself and the United Kingdom. The details could be worked out later at the conference mentioned in your proposals.
I look forward to news of progress in Cairo. I shall maintain my keen interest in the achievement of a solution which corresponds to the enduring interests of the three countries. This message brings to you personally my very best wishes as well as my high hopes that we can move forward together in closer association for the best interests of both our peoples. End text.
- Repeated to London for the Ambassador as telegram 274. Drafted and approved by Byroade after being cleared by the President.↩