Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1–July 26, 1956, Volume XV

108. Message From the Ambassador in Egypt (Byroade) to the Department of State¹

No. 85

Cairo, February 21, 1956.

1. Regret that just after close Saturday² conversation with Nasr it necessary for me depart for official ceremony Port Said and facilities unavailable send this report until return Cairo.

2. Conversation soon turned to subject Anderson mission. Nasser stated he much impressed with Anderson but deeply concerned at apparent philosophy that whole thing could be settled quickly. Said he in favor project but time needed and every day must be used wisely to prepare atmosphere making settlement possible. He hoped Americans could understand magnitude of political task he undertaking. Mentioned again Abdullah incident.

3. Nasser said he understood Anderson might visit area again soon. He would be glad to see him but felt that he had little more to offer on specific aspects settlement. He felt we were pressing a bit too fast on such specifics without adequate attention to parallel project of working out suitable area policies and attendant lessening of friction in area. Felt all important thing at moment was to create atmosphere in area which would make settlement possible. In this field saw no progress being made and, to contrary, there were new and disruptive factors with West and between Arab States nearly every week. Felt planning on details could proceed but could not be hopeful unless we could give more attention to parallel project of easing strains within area.

4. Told him I had remained Wash to participate high level talks following Anderson’s return. I not in position however, comment on Wash decisions as had found it desirable return Egypt prior Anderson’s meetings with President.³ Felt it might lead to confusion in any event if he and I talked as in past upon specific aspects of Arab-Israeli settlement and that Anderson upon return would have full flavor President’s views. I did however wish assure him from my extended conversations in Wash I convinced that if he willing and able proceed in reasonable fashion upon settlement with Israel we could work out with him a U.S. policy approach towards Egypt, and joint policy approaches on M.E. matters generally, which he would deem satisfactory. I further felt under such conditions we would be able to exert considerable influence upon our friends and allies in terms of their own policy approaches to area. We had, I said, somewhat held back on area policy matters in recent talks with Eden, as we very much in hope settlement could proceed and wished hold policy fluid hoping work out solutions satisfactory to Egypt in connection Arab-Israeli settlement.

5. Nasser said we somewhat in procedural dilemma. He accepted my views as to possibility of working out satisfactory area policies and appeared to understand that it difficult and in some cases impossible to make new policies effective until real progress made upon settlement. Nevertheless he could not see how atmosphere for settlement could be created with continuing dissension among Arab States which at least partially due to difficulties with West. Were there not, he wondered, some steps we could take in immediate future which would ease tension and help produce required atmosphere. Told him I would be ready continue discussions on this aspect of problem at any time.

6. This discussion highlights my view reported while in Washington that Anderson probably cannot be successful unless we prepared to talk to Nasser seriously about broader area policy. Suggest that line of thought along lines your message dated 20 January 1956⁴ be thoroughly reviewed prior to Anderson’s return and he come here equipped to deal with such broader matters. This all of course in context of real and honest effort on part of Nasser to obtain settlement. If Department feels I can be of assistance in this part of problem, I of course stand ready. While it is lengthy, your staff might find useful in this connection our Despatch 748 which Embassy sent to Dept during my absence.⁵

1. Source: Department of State, NEA Files: Lot 59 D 518, Alpha—Anderson Talks w/BG & Nasser. Incoming Telegrams—Jan.–March 1956. Part I. Top Secret.
2. February 18.
3. According to the President’s Daily Appointments, Eisenhower met with Anderson at the White House on February 10 at 6:45 p.m. The discussion was “Off The Record”. (Eisenhower Library)
4. Your message dated 20 January 1956 beginning “You may, at your discretion, take the etc. [Footnote in the source text. For text of this message, see Document 24.]
5. Despatch 748 from Cairo, January 11, suggested that there should be a revision of “United States (and British) objectives in the Middle East to meet effectively the new Soviet threat to the Western position in this part of the world.” (Department of State, Central Files, 611.80/1–1156)