641.74/9–2253: Telegram
No. 1222
The Acting
Secretary of State to the Embassy
in Egypt1
niact
336. On instructions from Col Nasir, Egyptian Ambassador called Sept 22 to request Department urge British accept six-year duration clause including twelve months for evacuation. He discussed only duration aspects problem (Cairo’s 353).2
We replied that in our opinion additional concessions from British on major points not obtainable. We stated US made maximum effort induce British reduce duration period down to seven years; that question considered in detail by Cabinet; and that in our opinion this minimum British position. Amb told our advice as friends was to accept present offer. After consultation top level in Dept Ambassador informed we believed further approach to British by US would be fruitless. He was also told it was our hope that negotiations on the base problem could come to early and successful conclusion so that we could begin discussions more constructive matters such as assisting Egypt play her new role.
[Page 2139]Caffery should take similar position in discussions with Egyptians emphasizing our conviction that seven years duration is best obtainable and should be accepted.