741.56374/4–3054: Telegram
No. 1330
The Chargé in the United Kingdom
(Butterworth) to the Department
of State1
4841. First three paragraphs Deptel 5751 conveyed today to Foreign Office which will let Embassy have its reaction soonest. Official commented it essential tell Egyptians early in proceedings that some form tripartite arrangements for maintenance base contemplated (assuming Eygpt’s invitation US participate), otherwise Egyptians might claim, as they have in past, that British holding out on basic matter of principle. He added participation of US in arrangements for maintenance appeared to be a necessary consequence of extension of availability to US. He undertook, however, explore possibilities finding some way of associating US in maintenance arrangements without definitive tripartite agreement.
Embassy believes HMG still sincerely anxious carry through new proposals. We have no reason believe British intend postpone decision until end Geneva conference,2 but simply until Eden’s return to London, which anticipated within two or three weeks from start of conference. Consultations with contractors still continuing.
We do not believe US participation in tripartite agreement for maintenance would be absolutely essential but suggest Department await further views of Foreign Office on subject (paragraph 1 above).
- Repeated to Cairo as telegram 129.↩
- For documentation regarding the Geneva Conference, see volume XVI.↩