94. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1

1960. For Ambassador only. For your personal information Secretary recently discussed Alpha project with President,2 stating time appeared to have arrived for talk with Nasser, that Alpha contemplated US–UK guarantee borders between Israel and neighboring Arab states and also involved rather heavy financial implications. President indicated he thought it in order for you speak to Nasser on assumption any references to border guarantee or additional financial assistance would be on purely exploratory basis and would avoid any commitment US at this stage.

Following Secretary’s return from Europe it is planned discuss Alpha proposals with other interested Department heads and possibly three or four Congressional leaders. Definiteness US undertaking give border guarantee and additional economic and military aid will depend on results these discussions as well as of course on Nasser’s initial reactions exploratory talks.

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/5–1155. Top Secret; Alpha; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Russell; cleared with Jernegan and Murphy; approved by Russell; and initialed for Hoover by Murphy.
  2. See footnote 2, Document 91.