Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 1

711.56373/7–2954: Telegram

The Chargé in Libya (Nes) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Tripoli, July 29, 1954—1 p.m.

27. Anthis and I met with Prime Minister prior his flight USAF plane to Cyrene yesterday (Legtel 24).² Immediately afterward we proceeded Benghazi separate aircraft to brief Summers results Washington discussions (and Ben Halim’s attitude on return) with view utilization this background determine our best tactics and timing proceed with final steps toward signature base agreement. Legation political officer also accompanied Prime Minister to Cyrene as courtesy.

Ben Halim was in most cordial and confident mood and left no doubt he intends press forward with signature. He made following additional comments:

1. Although economic and financial commitments had not been obtained to extent hoped for he had decided rely on future United States friendship as equivalent asset. This might require some selling with Parliament and Cabinet but he was confident no serious difficulty would be met in Tripolitania or Fezzan and he could handle Cyrenaicans and Cabinet.

2. He was certain King whom he would see immediately would give full assent and backing both text agreement and economic arrangements. He intends report to Ministers who are also resident Beida today.

3. Little additional work required here except preparation final Arab translation, drafting supplementary understanding Article XX and notes on economic and financial arrangements. He confident therefore we could plan signature no later last week August with submission Parliament early September. At same time he would have ready and propose National Bank scheme and Libyan-United States economic Planning Commission.

4. He would release immediately announcement US gift additional 24,000 tons wheat. (By thus publicly accepting delivery portion our final economic and financial package, Ben Halim would seem to have committed himself irrevocably to all other agreements reached Washington.)

5. Re Tripoli press editorials mentioned Legtel 12³ which cast doubt wisdom acceptance US promises rather than specific commitments future economic aid Prime Minister said he not worried and such “unfortunate” comments would cease now that he was back.

Legation officer who accompanied Prime Minister three-hour Cyrene flight has confirmed above observations.

There is no question but that Ben Halim was immensely impressed warmth reception and VIP treatment he received United States. Appears Turkish representations and oil fields tour also played important part creating atmosphere conducive to Prime Minister’s decision make final plunge and settle two outstanding issues jurisdiction and compensation.

Never in history our negotiations has general atmosphere now surrounding Prime Minister’s return been so propitious for achieving ratified base agreement. Principle danger lies in any delays which may dampen his present enthusiasm and firm intention push agreement through to September ratification. Trust therefore Department will furnish necessary instructions requested Benghazi telegram 12⁴ expeditiously as possible so that our side will be ready tie up loose ends upon return of Aneizi and Suleiman Jerbi early next week. Hope Department can also provide Benghazi personnel assist requested Wirom 23.⁵

Nes

1. This telegram was repeated to Benghazi and London.
2. July 27; not printed. It reported the Prime Minister was returning from London that night and expected to proceed directly to Cyrene to see the king. (711.56373/7–2754)
3. July 9; not printed. (873.49/7–954) Presumably this is an error, as telegram 12 does not mention press editorials.
4. July 27; not printed. It requested texts of the agreements signed in Washington, records of discussions, and all other information needed for an evaluation of the situation. (711.56373/7–2754)
5. Not printed.