77. Letter From the British Chargé (Scott) to the Secretary of State1
Dear Mr. Secretary: In the absence of H.M. Ambassador2 I am writing to you on Mr.Macmillan’s instructions to say that he considers it would be very valuable if Mr.Francis Russell could visit London for further talks on the Middle East problem.
Mr.Macmillan believes that we should try to persuade Colonel Nasser that the territorial concessions demanded of Israel under existing Alpha planning are sufficient (combined with such “outside inducements” as can be offered to Egypt) to justify an attempt to reach a settlement on these lines. From Colonel Nasser’s reactions to Mr.Byroade’s approach it looks very probable however that he will reject the proposal for a land link between Egypt and Jordan and will insist on a larger concession in the Negev as a price for his cooperation. Her Majesty’s Government would like to agree in advance with the United States Government what to do in such circumstances.
A further matter of concern to Mr.Macmillan arises from the solution we have had in mind in respect of the Gaza Strip. Since the plan was drawn up, this area has become the most dangerous of all and the refugee population in its present state of excitement would constitute a standing threat to any settlement. This is another matter which Mr.Russell might discuss in London.
[Page 157]In view of the urgency, Mr.Macmillan would be glad to know whether it would be possible for Mr.Russell to proceed within a few days to London so that the further examination could be completed during the next two weeks.3
Yours sincerely,
- Source: Department of State,S/S–NEA Files: Lot 61 D 417, Alpha Volume 3. Top Secret.↩
- Sir Roger M. Makins. ↩
- On April 18,Russell
transmitted this letter to Secretary Dulles as an attachment to a memorandum recommending
acceptance of the British proposal of
consultations.Dulles approved the
recommendation. (Department of State,NEA Files: Lot 59 D 518, Alpha—memos, etc., beginning
after return from London—Mar. 11 thru April 26)
The Department subsequently notified the Embassy in London that Russell would arrive on April 23, and that discussions about Alpha would begin on April 25 at the Foreign Office. (Telegram 5371 to London, April 20;ibid., Central Files, 684A.86/4–2055)
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