Office of the Historian

641.74/10–2453: Telegram

No. 1237
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Aldrich) to the Department of State1

secret
London, October 24, 1953—11 p.m.

1789. Foreign Office commented as follows re views expressed Deptel 2202 October 23 on issues availability, uniforms and consultation in Suez negotiations.

1.
Foreign Office does not see advantage suggested second paragraph reference telegram as regards Egyptian proposal re availability (which Foreign Office insists never given UK by Egyptians). Egypt would, in Foreign Office view, be under pressure in any event make base available under Chapter VII of Charter as preamble of draft agreement refers to both parties obligations under Charter. From UK point of view, precise definition of Egyptian obligation in event of “threat to peace et cetera” is very important in defending agreement against Parliamentary and other domestic criticism. Furthermore Foreign Office considers such precision necessary insure NATO members fully aware exact conditions under which base available to West.
2.
Re uniforms, Foreign Office considers UK offer reasonable. UK has told Egyptians, and new formula (paragraph e Cairo’s 488 October 22) makes clear in writing, that technicians except on very special occasions would not be in uniform. Foreign Office shares our view negotiations ought not to be allowed break on this point.
3.

UK position these two issues remains as stated Embtel 1780 October 23. Foreign Office hopes United States will support UK on these issues and considers such support would be decisive as it [“] was in case of 7 years duration”.

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Embassy officer promised forward Foreign Office request but, of course made no commitment be [re] United States support. Reiterated our position as set forth Deptel 2202.

4.
Re consultation, Robertson’s instructions are “to try obtain arrangements by which parties would consult together at end period of agreement to decide what arrangements necessary provide for continued maintenance base.” According Foreign Office, should Egyptians, after consultation, desire end arrangements with UK latter would have no legal basis perpetrate agreement.

Foreign Office, however, would hope more amicable relations resulting from evacuation et cetera might make Egyptians want continue agreement.

Aldrich
  1. Repeated to Cairo, as telegram 47.↩