159. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
1382. Deliver following message from President to Prime Minister Macmillan as soon as possible:
“August 17, 1957
Dear Harold: I have your message regarding Oman and it is receiving my urgent study. As you no doubt know through Harold Caccia and Crosthwaite the view of my staff here is that abstention on the vote to inscribe would best serve our common interest and achieve the practical result you wish.
After his return to Washington I will discuss this with Foster to whom Selwyn has sent a note on the same subject2 and then communicate with you further.
[Page 242]I appreciate not only the time factor involved but of course the larger consideration you mentioned. Warm regards. D.E.”
Observe Presidential Handling. Advise date and time of delivery.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 768E.00/8–1757. Secret; Niact; Presidential Handling.↩
- On August 16, Caccia handed Murphy a communication from Lloyd requesting that it be forwarded to Dulles. The letter, providing background on the situation in Oman, expressed British concern over the U.S. intention to abstain during the coming Security Council sessions on Oman. Lloyd urged Dulles to instruct the U.S. representative at the United Nations to vote against inscription and to use American influence in urging other “friendly members” of the Council to act accordingly. (Ibid., 786E.00/ 8–1657) On August 19, the Department telegraphed the text of Dulles’ reply to Lloyd to the Embassy in London. The Secretary noted, in part, that both he and the President “rely importantly on our confidence that you and the Prime Minister understand that our position in this matter is based solely on the objective of bringing about a solution which is in the common interest.” (Telegram 1416; ibid., 786E.00/ 8–1957)↩