641.74/6–2854: Telegram
No. 1336
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Egypt1
priority
1601. For Ambassador. Considerable time devoted Eygpt in weekend talks here with British.2 Sending in immediately following message Agreed Secret Minute on Eygpt approved by Mr. Eden.
It obvious in opening discussions that British had decided reopen negotiations and push for early agreement. Churchill has decided defend such a course primarily in view desire HMG move their forces in Egypt elsewhere.
As regards timing, Eden explained he felt they could not start talks prior to his and Churchill’s return London. It is their present intention to move within couple days after return.
Proposals they will present essentially those we have known for some time. One exception is they have decided greatly reduce Base area to be maintained. This will necessitate greater effort in disposition supplies and equipment which will take longer than originally anticipated. They feel, therefore, minimum of 24 months required for evacuation.
As regards duration British feel new approach which calls for evacuation all armed forces should entitle them longer agreement. Secretary stressed political difficulty going beyond 7 years as this already public figure. He suggested two methods of approach. One was as British now in position surrender large portion Base in two years, Egyptians might in turn extend rights to smaller portion retained for longer period. Other was that parts of Agreement other [Page 2277] than availability might be for 7 years and availability portions for a longer period. British agreed consider both. Eden mentioned figure of 10 to 12 years but explained he would wish leave up to Stevenson initial figure that should be presented in order obtain such results. Secretary stressed undesirability starting with excessive figure for purposes bargaining.
Separate instructions will be sent regarding para 2 of agreement. As regards Paragraph 3 Agreed Minute, one method accomplishment expressed by Secretary is that US in its aid agreements would make reference fact Egypt is providing bases for defense of area. We will continue study this problem and would welcome your thoughts.
It was agreed on highest levels that secrecy would be maintained re discussions here on Egypt so as not prejudice British negotiations. Believe we should inform Egyptians only that discussions were held on this subject, we are aware proposal which will be presented Egyptians and that we are generally optimistic that quick agreement should be reached. We could also add we expect new developments very quickly after return British London.
Convinced press articles so far from Washington based upon speculation rather than leak from conference.
- Repeated priority to London as telegram 7144. Drafted and approved by Byroade.↩
- See footnote 1, supra.↩