52. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
1531. As a result of meetings in London, Dept and FonOff have agreed on terms of what they believe would constitute equitable settlement between Israel and Arab States (copy pouched to you from London2). We are agreed, moreover, upon desirability of exploring most carefully whether an approach can be made to Nasser in the immediate future. We concur with Eden that we might wait in vain for a better time; that indeed there might be deterioration in area relations and possibly also in Nasser’s domestic position in absence of measures to improve situation.
[Page 115]We are fully cognizant of difficulties in an approach to Nasser on Alpha at this time but we are inclined to resolve doubts in favor of an approach rather than in favor of further delay. We therefore desire you discuss question with Stevenson and advise whether you and he believe an early approach to Nasser is feasible. It is contemplated that, in event approach is made, you would make it and use arguments contained in brief prepared for Eden’s talk with Nasser3 and in London Points of Agreement. You could assure Nasser we would make every effort maintain complete secrecy and that we would be prepared to work out with him how a settlement would look before determining whether to proceed further.
The exact time and manner of the approach would have to take into account: necessity of not saying anything to Nasser which he could use to hurt Anglo-Iraq negotiations for new treaty, status of Security Council action on Gaza raid, status of negotiations on Unified Jordan Valley Plan, and, of course,Nasser’s participation in Asia-Africa Conference.4
Should initial approach be favorably received, we envisage thorough briefing for you and, at appropriate time, other key US and British representatives in area by Russell and Shuckburgh. Would appreciate any suggestion you may have as to place and timing in order assure meetings would be secret.
You should make no approach to Nasser until you receive further instructions which would follow receipt of your reaction to above. This message coordinated with UK and Stevenson receiving similar instructions.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/3–1955. Top Secret; Alpha; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Russell; cleared with Hoover,Murphy, and Allen; and approved by Russell, who signed for Hoover. Repeated to London.↩
- Presumably reference is to Document 48.↩
- See Document 24.↩
- The Asia–Africa Conference at Bandung, Indonesia, was held April 18–24, 1955.↩