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

641.74/6–1154

No. 1333
Memorandum for the Files, by the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Merchant)

secret

Washington, June 11, 1954.

Ambassador Aldrich told me that yesterday after lunch Anthony Head,¹ who I believe is Secretary of the Army, had told him that after two months’ effort he had secured the Prime Minister’s agreement to reopen the Suez negotiations. He said he had an appointment with Sir Winston that same afternoon to discuss timing and tactics. This piece of information developed apparently from a discussion between the Ambassador and Mr. Head on the bearing on Southeast Asian policy of the absence of any British strategic reserve.

LTM

1. The British Secretary of State for War.