641.74/2–2452: Telegram
No. 963
The Secretary of
State to the Department of
State1
Secto 71. I have been discussing Egyptian situation with Eden this evening and am much encouraged by his open-minded approach to method of solving problem. He is searching for new idea which cld permit fruitful resumption of talks with Egyptian Govt.
Eden fully realizes that Aly Maher cannot accept same conditions and proposals refused by preceding govt without incurring serious political risks in current over-charged atmosphere. Searching for new proposals for discussion which might be made by the Egyptians he has suggested, on a purely personal basis to me, the possibility [Page 1768] of a broader framework than the Four-Power proposals made and rejected by Nahas Pasha last Nov. Eden’s thought is that the Egyptians might suggest talks associating the Arab States with the US, UK, Fr and Turk. Four Arab States joining the original four proposing states and Egypt might be a possible suggestion, but he has no set formula in mind.
I wish you2 wld discuss this idea privately with Stevenson, and only with him, and let me have your reaction and any other suggestions at Lisbon by Tuesday morning, when I expect to meet again with my Brit colleague and perhaps later in the day with Mr. Schuman as well.3
- Sent to Cairo for Ambassador Caffery as telegram 1 and repeated to London as telegram 113 and to the Department.↩
- i.e. Caffery.↩
-
The next day, Feb. 25, Secretary Acheson, in telegram Secto 73, transmitted to Ambassador Caffery in Cairo as telegram 2, added the following:
“In addition points mytel 1, February 24 rptd Dept Secto 71, Eden said he appreciated urgency moving along as quickly as possible in finding solution of Sudan prog. Sudan is on tentative agenda for forthcoming talks with Egyptians.” (641.74/2–2552)
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