No. 1372
Editorial Note
The document in this editorial note is located in Department of State file 774.5 MSP. It is not a ribbon copy. It was typed on a plain sheet of paper and contains no data which permits agency identification. Assistant Secretary of State Henry Byroade apparently was the drafting officer. The document’s date is November 16, 1954, and it reads as follows:
“Believe following points should be made to Nasir.
- “1. We surprised turn of events his conversation with Norman Paul November 13th. Had understood he favored use of $5 million from economic aid for purchase military equipment. On this assumption officers had departed Washington and now waiting in Beirut.
- “2. Additional economic aid funds to add to $40 million for this purpose not available. US world-wide programs and present budgetary situation strained to limit for Egypt to come up with figure of $40 million with relatively low loan component. US in fact now without funds previously planned elsewhere in Middle East.
- “3. We understand Nasir’s position and respect his judgment of his own internal problems. Difficulties here rule out possibility of using Section 401.
- “4. Our officers en route will be unable discuss alternatives to $5 million arrangements. If Nasir would like conversation with them for purpose of understanding US procedures and general discussion of politico-military character, we will have them proceed. This entirely at his discretion and we await his answer.”