Office of the Historian

441. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1

Washington,December 7, 1955—5:57 p.m.

3172. For Ambassador from Under Secretary. Secretary has had discussions with Robert B. Anderson2 former Deputy Secretary of Defense concerning a number of the current problems in Middle East particularly Israel-Arab dispute. If preliminary discussions indicate useful purpose would be served, President may request Anderson assist in mediatory capacity in area.Anderson arriving in London Saturday December 10, 9:30 a.m. for three days on personal business trip. Believe it would be helpful if he could have brief discussion with Macmillan over weekend or on Monday for general exchange of ideas. Information of Anderson relation to Israel-Arab settlement should be confined to two or three people in embassy and UK Government.3

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/12–755. Secret. Drafted by Russell and approved by Hoover.↩
  2. According to Secretary Dulles’ Appointment Book, he met with Anderson on November 30 from 11:35 a.m. until 1:51 p.m. (Princeton University Library, Dulles Papers)↩

  3. Ambassador Aldrich responded on December 8 that he had spoken to Shuckburgh about Anderson’s impending visit, and had been told that Macmillan would see Anderson at 6 p.m., London time, on Monday, December 12. (Telegram 2364 from London; Department of State, Central files, 032Anderson,Robert B./12–855)

    The Department informed the Embassy on December 9 that, due to illness,Anderson was canceling his trip to London. (Telegram 3233 to London;ibid., 110.11/ 12–955)

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