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

741.56374/4–2754: Telegram

No. 1327
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State¹

top secret

Cairo, April 27, 1954—2 p.m.

1357. Re Department telegram 1321.² I agree with position outlined Department’s 5580 to London. It is self-evident that nature and extent of any US participation in Suez base arrangements must depend on Egyptian as well as UK desires.

1. It would seem most inadvisable for US to become involved in British military housekeeping operations, although there would be no objection to participation US commercial firms.

2. As stated my telegram 1243 it is essential avoid giving Egyptians impression of renewed Anglo-American “gang-up”. (My views this regard reinforced by comments reported Department telegram 1310). Presenting GOE with proposal for tripartite agreement at outset would be best way I know of insuring failure of renewed effort for Suez base settlement.

Important thing is to get two sides talking again. Attempt to work out detailed proposals without benefit of Egyptian reaction is unrealistic and time consuming.

Caffery

1. Repeated to London as telegram 441.
2. The Department in telegram 1321, Apr. 23, not printed, asked for the Embassy’s views on the advisability of the United States becoming a party to a tripartite agreement on the future maintenance and operation of the Suez base, and the Department wanted the Embassy’s assessment of the probable Egyptian attitude toward a tripartite accord. The Department said it needed this information before it replied to telegram 4694 from London (see footnote 3, Document 1325). (741.56374/4–2354)