215. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
290.Nasser received me alone in residency at 11 a.m. this morning. I told him I approaching him upon matter which I considered of greatest importance to Egypt, Middle East, and in fact of worldwide significance. Stated Secretary had asked that I see him on this particular date and I appreciated promptness with which that request had been granted. Timing had been important to us as Secretary wished him to be among the very first who should know of his personal plans. Stated I considered matter so important I had reduced to writing Secretaries [Secretary’s] instructions to me which I wished to read. I thereupon read to him substance of Deptel 3252 with no change other than smoothing out cablese.
Nasser listened intently. Department’s statement so full and well conceived I thought it best not to attempt expansion other than few remarks. Regarding portion which indicates others were being informed, I told him this not being done as fully as in his case in view of our conversations in past this subject and recognition of constructive role it was hoped Egypt could play. I expanded somewhat upon vital importance initial press reactions and stressed that whole world would be watching to compare the reaction of Arab States with that of Israel. He had risen in stature in world in view of his stand for peace. He was now in key position to cooperate on removing one of world’s greatest danger spots and contribute to developments of great historical significance. Added that I personally was extremely pleased my government had felt able to take initiative upon this problem in this specific manner. I was convinced that after study he would conclude that Secretary’s speech would make major contribution towards giving real impetus to developments which I knew both he and we desired.
Nasser asked if he could have paper which I read as it was of great importance and he wished to study its contents. I agreed instead to let Ali Sabri take full notes upon its contents.Nasser said he could not give me preliminary reaction as everything depended upon what Secretary would actually say. He would study matter very carefully and hoped statement would be of nature which would allow him to feel he could cooperate. At no time in conversation [Page 388] that followed did Nasser indicate any displeasure or fact that he felt this method of handling was a mistake.
I saw Fawzi at 1230 and found him more forthcoming.Fawzi stated he appreciated friendly approach in giving Egypt advance warning and general tone of understanding and friendliness that permeated my whole communication. He was glad to see that time table he and I had discussed months ago was being urgently sought by us. Said he and I had agreed 1955 better than 1956.Dulles had gone further and said also better than 1957. Yet time had gone by and he had become fearful we would not press in time. Stated he shared my hopes and sincere desire that statement would be given fair chance in area. Wished me to understand however that a public statement led to public questions which demanded public answers. He would wait with crossed fingers and sincere prayer that no unauthorized statement would be made in one Arab capital or another which would burn bridges—not with that motive—but to appear patriotic.Nasser and he would do their best to see common sense and fair play maintained. All this however depended upon nature of statement. If by terms it automatically ruled out some of the Arabs’ strongly held convictions, as for instance on boundaries, then he could promise me nothing. If it did not take such a stand then he would do his utmost.
Other matters which emerged in both discussions will be reported separately. Am off to see Hussein who ill, but who should be brought into picture.
This an interesting day and so far, would say, so good. Without knowledge of text it difficult to see how reaction either Nasser’s or Fawzi’s could have been better.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2455. Top Secret;Niact; Alpha. Received at 8:02 p.m. Repeated to London.↩
- Document 207.↩