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

257. Telegram From the Embassy in Lebanon to the Department of State¹

Beirut,September 2, 1955—6 p.m.

243. From Johnston. My conversations Cairo past two days fruitful and generally encouraging.² I place primary emphasis on following points:

(1) HKJ seriously interested project and attempting overcome obstacles in way acceptance;

(2) HKJ primary beneficiary project;

(3) Egyptian assumption Arab leadership carries responsibility assure that major interest one Arab state not sacrificed as result attitudes taken by states with relatively minor interests. This argumentation well received all levels.

Foreign Minister Fawzi appeared primarily disturbed by political implications proposed Israel use of portion its share Jordan River in coastal plain and Negev, particularly in view current difficulties Gaza. I reiterated that right any nation dispose of its share water, once allocation agreed, was basic premise negotiations from their inception and could not be changed.

Nasser was very forthcoming. He recalled active role Egypt had played in negotiations, his decision withdraw from this role on grounds states most concerned should choose course of action and his recent decision resume active part at request US. He recognized importance project to HKJ and said would urge its acceptance if analysis proposal indicated it fair to Jordan.

Heath

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/9–255. Secret; Priority. Received at 9:59 a.m., September 3. Repeated to Cairo, Amman, Damascus, London, Tel Aviv, Baghdad, Jidda, and Paris.
2. For summary minutes of Johnston’s discussions with Egyptian officials, seeibid.,NEA/IAI Files: Lot 70 D 254, The Fourth Mission—No. 21 (Negotiating File).