641.74/12–1253: Telegram
No. 1252
The Acting
Secretary of State to the Embassy
in Egypt1
priority
656. Following Secretary’s talk Egyptian Ambassador, reported Department’s telegram 649 to Cairo, repeated 3095 London, Ambassador discussed situation by telephone with Nasir. Apparently decision reached Ambassador return Cairo for consultation shortly after December 15. Ambassador states Nasir said no decision would be reached prior Ambassador’s discussion in Cairo.
Hussein tells us he will make determined try Cairo but very pessimistic chances of success. He believes Egyptian Government will take view that British do not really want agreement and that if they make concessions on two remaining outstanding points British will thereafter raise other obstacles (believe Hussein personally holds this view).
Hussein feels he might have chance convincing Government to accept British position, or something similar thereto, on two outstanding points if he were in position state United States would guarantee total agreement would then be possible.
We believe point raised by Hussein represents honest concern of Egyptians and does not seem unreasonable. Nor does it seem improper, in return for strong support we giving British, for United States to have assurances along same lines. This particularly true as in past British have asked for and received our support on points they classified as all-important and final only to raise additional points for our support subsequently.
[Page 2171]We would like to ask British for such assurances if we can work out procedures from practical point of view and avoid commitment to support Egypt on all other minor points still unsettled. If so called “agreement on principles” was already drafted in agreed text except for question of uniforms and availability perhaps British commitment could be obtained to sign document without further alteration or addition if Egyptians meet them on these points.
Caffery and Aldrich requested inform status of drafting and whether it is planned that preliminary agreement on principles would be signed or merely final detailed agreement. Would it be possible for British prepare “agreement on principles” which they think would be acceptable to Egyptians with exception of uniforms and availability sections?
From our own point of view best procedure would seem to be that United Kingdom: 1. Prepare “agreement on principles” acceptable to Egyptians except for uniforms and availability sections. 2. Provide us assurances they prepared sign such “agreement on principles. provided Egyptians accept their formula on availability and uniforms. 3. Defer until later working out final detailed agreement covering such factors as jurisdiction etc. We would then be in position to tell Egyptians we have United Kingdom assurance such document will be signed if Egyptians accept British position on availability and uniforms. “Agreement on principles” could be played publicly as settlement Base question between United Kingdom and Egypt following which British troops would begin to evacuate. Simultaneously with such an agreement United States economic and military assistance could publicly commence. If United Kingdom and Egypt get into trouble later on details, at least a certain momentum would have been started.
Request Caffery’s and Aldrich’s comments on feasibility this procedure. Also any ideas they may have as to form of assurance to be obtained from United Kingdom and manner to avoid getting United States in box where Egyptians would be led to believe we would support their position on all minor points to be covered by final detailed agreement.2
- Also sent priority to London as telegram 3133.↩
- The contents of this telegram were transmitted by the Department to the Secretary of State in Paris in telegram Tedul 2, Dec. 13, not printed. (110.11 DU/12–1353) Secretary Dulles was in Paris at this time attending the North Atlantic Council meetings. For documentation regarding these meetings, see vol. V, Part 1, pp. 549 ff.↩