56. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
1396. ReDeptel 1581.2 We believe GOE has no intention retaliate for Gaza.GOE has sent regular army and National Guard reinforcements to El Arish area and moved up some equipment and barbed wire. All indications are that this action taken to provide against another Israeli attack.
Rumors circulate re secret preparations for retaliation in event another attack. These may have been stimulated for propaganda purposes to stop opposition elements from alleging GOE soft re Israel.
Another Gaza-like attack by Israel combined with an outcome in SC considered unsatisfactory to GOE would probably cause Egyptian frustration to reach breaking-point, particularly if combined with increased sense of isolation from Arab world and idea Egypt abandoned by US. In such circumstances we believe it possible that RCC might consider a desperate adventure in southern Negev.
Comment
Ironically enough, there is some similarity between the Egyptian and Israeli feelings of frustration and isolation. These feelings give rise to same inherent danger in both countries; i.e. if pressed too hard, they may pull the temple down.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/3–2455. Secret. Received at 3:30 p.m. Repeated to USUN. Repeated the following day priority to Tel Aviv. (Telegram 558, March 25;ibid.)↩
- The Department on March 23 requested the Embassy in Cairo to assess the likelihood of Egypt’s retaliating for the Gaza incident. (Ibid., 682.87/3–2155)↩