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

741.56374/4–254: Telegram

No. 1318
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

top secret
priority

Washington, April 3, 1954—1:41 p.m.

5163. We agree in general with UK proposals on basis information submitted London’s 4342 and in context of principles set forth Deptel 4863. Embassy should inform Foreign Office stressing again importance we attach to making initial approach to Egyptians soonest.

We believe proposals could be presented most effectively by parallel representations. We wish to have Caffery’s suggestions on tactics soonest.

Regarding document 1—separate exchange of notes between Egyptians and US making base available to US appears preferable.

Although unable comment fully in absence details we regard favorably British plan for future maintenance and operations. Particularly encouraging is emphasis on need for Egyptian cooperation and willingness place control authority clearly under Egyptian Government. We have some doubts regarding suggested numbers foreign supervisory personnel and inspectors.

We hope it will not be necessary to wait until technical details are ironed out before making initial approach to Egyptians. In first instance Egyptians could be given outline British proposals. Maintenance and operations provisions could be covered by general statement outlining main characteristics control authority.

We would like to work out as soon as possible with the UK details especially technical arrangements for operation and maintenance. Perhaps this could be accomplished most expeditiously by discussions here or in London. Request British views.²

We may wish to submit additional comments after further study.

Dulles

1. Repeated to Cairo as telegram 1224. Drafted by Burdett and approved by Byroade.
2. Ambassador Aldrich in telegram 4365, Apr. 5, not printed, reported that the Foreign Office had been informed of American approval in general of the tentative British proposals regarding the Suez base negotiations. Foreign Office officials were gratified at the Department’s reply and promised to inform the Embassy as soon as a decision was reached regarding the preliminary approach to the Egyptians. (741.56374/4–554)