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

280. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State¹

Cairo,September 16, 1955—7 p.m.

485. For Secretary. It is apparent from wording paragraph two, Department’s 515,² that considerable misunderstanding has arisen between this Embassy and Department. Will review our recent cables to see if we can possibly make our views more clear.

Of immediate importance, however, is subject of paragraph three Department telegram 515 on which I believe definite answer needed without delay and every day now counts. Hope Embassy telegram 461³ which apparently crossed Department telegram 515 will cause Department to reconsider urgently this subject, as well as last paragraph Department telegram 515 as a second priority. I consider Egypt’s position as outlined in Embassy telegram 461 in favor forward movement on Alpha through initiation discussions with Israel not unreasonable.

Unless Department decides ignore Egypt’s recommendation that Alpha now be discussed with Israel, ball is no longer in our court here. Therefore consider it most unwise and probably dangerous for US to continue to seek tie arms purchases to improbable further move by GOE at this time.

Byroade

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/9–1655. Top Secret; Alpha; Limited Distribution. Received at 4:11 a.m., September 17.
2. Document 276.
3. Document 274.