745W.00/5–452: Telegram
No. 980
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Egypt1
niact
1707. Dept understands from Brit Emb Wash that Stevenson has now presented formula to PriMin who stated it wld require careful study. In view Embtel 1920 May 32 we believe it most desirable you see King soonest. Since formula has neither been rejected nor accepted as yet, it wld not seem opportune for you to suggest to King at this juncture (Embtel 1933 May 4)3 that formula be given up. It wld seem more appropriate for you to talk along lines alternative procedure set forth Deptel 1680 Apr 30 which is not prejudicial to acceptance if Egypts are so minded but which at same time suggests coming to grips with substance question if rejection formula is course decided by Egypts. It is clear to us that during negots UK wld seek means not only achieve three points set forth alternative procedure (Deptel 1680 Apr 30) as a, b, and c but wld also deal with recognition question.
Since you are in best position determine what local circumstances require, Dept gladly leaves to ur discretion emphasis which you believe each point in Deptreftel merits.
- Repeated to London as telegram 5691.↩
- In telegram 1920 from Cairo, May 3, not printed, Ambassador Caffery reported that he had received assurances from the Egyptian Government that the Prime Minister, Hilali Pasha, would not act on the British formula until after he had consulted with Caffery. (641.74/5–352)↩
- Not printed.↩