Office of the Historian

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

Washington,August 23, 1955—6:03 p.m.

337.Embtel 278.2 We endeavored in presentation authorized Deptel 3253 meet Nasser’s various requests on wide range matters important to him. Our recognition importance Egyptian cooperation shown by this strong effort accommodate Nasser. We approved his application purchase substantial quantity arms in US and he raised new matter in asking us to assist him in effecting payment for arms. Our decision will necessarily be affected by attitude Nasser adopts toward statement.

Under these circumstances you may wish to avoid raising question of arms. If so you may omit paragraph 5Deptel 325. Should Nasser raise matter you could reply that you have not yet heard results of Department’s consideration.

Text statement telegraphed August 23.4 In response to suggestions from field specific proposals omitted and question permanent [Page 383] boundaries covered only in general terms. Because of this approach not possible mention any specific territorial change.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2255. Top Secret;Niact; Alpha; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Burdett and approved and signed by Dulles. Repeated to London.↩
  2. Supra.↩
  3. Document 207.↩
  4. Telegram 131 to Tel Aviv, also sent to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, Tripoli, Ankara, London, and Paris, transmitted the text of the statement, authorized each Chief of Mission to provide a copy to his British colleague, but instructed him not to provide the text to the government to which he was accredited or discuss it prior to the release hour. (Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2355) Telegram 140 to Tel Aviv, August 24, also sent to the same missions and to Canberra, Wellington, Pretoria, and Ottawa, transmitted revisions in the text. (Ibid., 684A.86/8–2455) For text of the address delivered by Dulles on August 26, see Department of State Bulletin, September 5, 1955, p. 378.↩