641.74/12–1653: Telegram
No. 1255
The Chargé in France (Achilles) to the
Department of State1
2311. Secretary in private luncheon conversation with Eden December 15 initiated discussion Egypt by stressing:
[Page 2175]- (1)
- Agreements reached between UK and Egypt on all major items of principle other than availability and uniform should be reduced to writing.
- (2)
- British should make clear they would raise no additional
demands on Egyptians after agreement reached on major points
already covered and on availability and uniforms. Eden insisted agreement clearly
reached but not put in writing because Egypt did not desire
agreed documentation. Conversation indicated British:
- (1)
- Relying on own minutes to support assumption certain points already firmly agreed;
- (2)
- Fear reduction agreements to writing would prompt Egyptians reopen points British regard as already agreed;
- (3)
- Prepared negotiate written document from now on, even in treaty form, if Egyptians desire;
- (4)
- Now awaiting Egyptian response re availability and uniform provisions which were submitted in precise language to Egypt;
- (5)
- Unable concede anything further to Egypt because of rebellion in Conservative Party;
- (6)
- Would face still more vehement opposition in Parliament to any agreement on Suez if Naguib visits Sudan as planned.
Secretary reemphasized need for written summary of British understanding of agreement already reached, both for US and Egyptian use. US needs understand position of British in negotiations which US has undertaken to support. Secretary further pointed out any agreement not reducible to writing was tenuous at best.
Secretary inquired what other points required to be negotiated and as example mentioned status of forces. Eden replied British felt that when British-Egyptian agreement reached on “principles of agreement” improvement in general climate would follow and thereby facilitate negotiation of any other points. He said British have in mind agreement along line UK–Libyan agreement on status of forces. No mention made by Eden of need for financial agreement referred to in London’s 2603 to Department repeated Paris 390 (which Secretary saw only after reported conversation with Eden). Furthermore, Eden gave no indication that four points listed reference telegram remained imprecise or unagreed.
Eden showed considerable annoyance at pressure applied during conversation and stated there was limit to which he could carry government position. He promised, however, to take look ab initio, on return to London, entire situation including points Secretary had raised.
- Repeated to London as telegram 557 and to Cairo as telegram 27.↩