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

641.74/8–2853: Telegram

No. 1214
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

secret

Washington, August 28, 1953—7:17 p.m.

239. On instructions from Abdel Nasir, Egyptian Ambassador informed Department August 28 following re Anglo-Egyptian meeting August 27.

(1) British abandoned proposal that agreement time should start from date evacuation troops completed.

(2) Substantial accord reached on “availability” in line with British formula quoted London’s 745.² Only remaining difference concerns inclusion “attack on Turkey”. Nasir insists this unacceptable and believes British prepared yield.

(3) British still maintained evacuation troops will take two years. Nasir believes this not firm position and thinks agreement possible. (Department notes Embtel 263³ mentions 18 months).

(4) “Duration” major difficulty. UK demanding ten year agreement while maximum RCC able offer is 5 years with technicians remaining for three years.

Next meeting scheduled September 3 after which Robertson departing for ten days consultation London. Nasir believes this meeting will decide success or failure talks. He requested assistance Department in inducing British modify stand on duration. Nasir emphasized growth neutralist sentiment and asserted RCC would be unable make as favorable offer two months hence.

For Caffery—Except as noted does this report coincide with your information?

Egyptian Ambassador here excited state of mind and greatly concerned prospects of failure of next meeting. Also transmitted personal plea Nasir to Byroade for our support with British at this stage. Do you believe US should intervene this juncture beyond efforts we know you are making locally in Cairo?

Dulles

1. Repeated to London as telegram 1063. Drafted by Burdett and approved by Byroade.
2. See footnote 3, supra.
3. Not printed.