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

874.501/4–3052: Telegram

No. 978
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Cairo, April 30, 1952—8 p.m.

1898. Regarding Deptels 1581, April 11 and 1656, April 24.² Following informal negotiations I have today received note signed by Foreign Minister as follows:

“I have the honour to refer to your letter of 29 April 1952, number 397, concerning the assurances and undertakings required from the Government of Egypt prior to the completion of the transactions between the Egyptian Government and the United States Government, for the supply of certain military equipment and materials for police units, on a reimbursable basis, under the provisions of Section 408(e) of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act of 1949, as amended.

“The Government of Egypt accepts the undertakings and assurances outlined in that letter and concurs with your proposal that this letter, together with your letter dated 29 April 1952, sub number 397, referred to above, constitute an agreement covering all transactions on this subject, between the two governments; the said agreement to enter into force on the date of this letter.”

Foreign Minister’s note was in response mine containing exact text “short form” of agreement set forth Deptel 1581, April 11. As agreed no publicity is being given to this.³

Caffery

1. Repeated to London as telegram 861.
2. For telegram 1581, see Document 974. Telegram 1656 is not printed.
3. This Egyptian note enabled the United States and Egypt to conclude this Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement. For the texts of these notes, see TIAS No. 3564, printed in 7 UST 841.