Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1955, Volume XIV

200. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

Washington,August 18, 1955—6:03 p.m.

307.Embtel 247.² Request you seek early opportunity convey following to Fawzi:

(1) Department and Ambassador Johnston welcome Egypt’s decision resume active role in negotiations. Egypt’s assistance in past has been invaluable and we anticipate continuation profitable collaboration. Please reciprocate Fawzi’s regards warmly on Johnston’s behalf and mention appreciation for expression of his views.

(2) Johnston has given careful consideration to recommendation of diplomatic representatives Arab states at Cairo to postpone trip. Believe however general discussion Jordan Valley project accentuates need for proceeding with visit by Johnston in order provide detailed and up-to-date information on program. He believes further postponement likely only increase misunderstanding.Johnston proposes therefore proceed area as planned although delighted make visit to Cairo if Fawzi believes it would be useful. (See Deptel Zurich rptd Cairo 306³ re Johnston’s itinerary)

(3) Right any interested country to discuss matters with any other countries or group of countries is fully recognized. Department and Johnston feel that negotiations can appropriately be carried on only directly with governments and plan therefore continue bilateral discussions along lines previously followed.

FYI: We consider introduction Arab League into negotiations adverse development. Believe best course under circumstances is attempt turn Egypt’s interest to best advantage in view of importance Egypt’s cooperation. End FYI⁴

Info addressees may convey above to governments accredited as appropriate.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/8–1755. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Russell and Troxel; cleared with Wilkins,Ludlow, and Barnes; and approved by Allen, who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus, Jidda, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, Benghazi, and London.
2. Not printed. (Ibid.)
3. Dated August 18, not printed, (Ibid., 120.1580/8–1855)
4. The Embassy in Cairo subsequently informed the Department that Hart conveyed Johnston’s message to Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs on August 12. (Telegram 269, August 22;ibid., 120.1580/8–2255)Johnston asked Byroade on August 24 if Fawzi had responded to his telegram. (Telegram 449 from Athens;ibid., 120.1580/8–2455)Byroade replied on August 24 that “Fawzi would be very pleased to see you should you decide to visit Cairo”, but that the decision rested entirely with Johnston. (Telegram 12 from Cairo to Amman;ibid., 120.1574/8–2455)