641.74/8–1453: Telegram
No. 1212
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in the United
Kingdom1
784. Noforn. We attach utmost importance continuation present informal Anglo-Egyptian talks on Suez Base. Recent incidents Port Said serve reinforce our conviction necessity settlement. We encouraged by apparent earnest desire both sides eliminate differences and by progress in narrowing area disagreement. Despite favorable trend, danger always exists incident or other factor will precipitate sudden break and public disclosure this fact with far-reaching consequences. For this reason Caffery given advance authority [Page 2128] take at his discretion steps outlined below as last resort measure to prevent definitive break.
Call on appropriate Egyptian officials and stress importance we attach to continuation talks and our conviction necessity agreements. He should state we believe parties close together on substantive points and remaining differences capable adjustment. He should add that he has been instructed to request delay in break in order permit US Government determine whether it able make any useful suggestions.
Immediately after call on Egyptians Caffery should inform Hankey2 and advise him Embassy London approaching Foreign Office in same manner. Embassy London should act upon notification by Caffery of his call on Egyptians.
FYI Although we believe US should inject itself in talks only in extreme circumstances, our present thinking is we should be prepared to submit compromise formula in effort prevent breakdown talks.