216. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
291. In view reactions Nasser and Fawzi this morning (mytel 2902) and as text of draft is excellent, believe it most important we seek to capitalize apparent objectivity both Nasser and Fawzi by making sure that Nasser receives full text at least prior to its receipt in Egypt from wire services. Must proceed on hope that Nasser will desire to control initial press reaction and difficult to see how he can do so unless he has time to study text prior to its receipt in hands of local press.
I told Nasser this morning I would see he got full text as soon as possible, but warned him that past experience indicated that advance texts sent me in code sometimes did not arrive until after wire services able to transmit clear text. He therefore does not know whether he will be able to see text prior to local press. I feel sure that Nasser would respect confidence in advance delivery. Furthermore timing suggested below would make impossible press treatment here prior to Saturday morning by which time local press will have picked up at least portions of speech in any event.
Therefore request authorization pass text to Nasser on confidential basis approximately 5 p.m. Cairo time (11 a.m. Washington time) August 26, or earlier if you think it safe to do so (suggested timing must of course be advanced if Department plans to issue earlier on wire services on “hold for publication” basis).3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2455, Top Secret;Niact; Alpha. Received at 5:21 p.m.↩
- Supra.↩
- The Department instructed Byroade and Lawson on August 25 to furnish Nasser and Sharett with advance copies of the text. (Telegram 355 to Cairo sent as telegram 144 to Tel Aviv; Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2555)↩