308. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
2591. Re Palestine. UN Secretariat informed USUN April 242 Hammarskjold expects announce April 26 or 27 that observers arrangements have been concluded with Egypt and Israel. USUN informed original agreement approved by Egypt has been slightly modified by Israel and Hammarskjold was returning it to Egypt for final approval. Arrangements provide greater freedom of movement [Page 580] and patrolling; nothing new in arrangements, merely restoration of rights.
USUN also informed in view strong feeling of Israelis Hammarskjold planning ask Egypt next Tuesday May 1 discuss Suez Canal restrictions “on personal basis”. Believing Egypt will request advisory opinion from you on right of SYG to discuss this problem, SYG has requested you take following line with Egyptians should they approach you:
“Secretary-General, as agent of Security Council, to my knowledge seems to have remained within limit of his mandate, but as to what Secretary-General might do on basis of his constitutional rights as Secretary-General, I neither have reason to express opinions nor any cause now to submit issue to my government which, in due time, may have to express its view on personal policy of Secretary-General.”
Department requests you take this position. Soviet, UK and French Ambassadors likewise being requested take this position in Cairo. SYG believes this position will avoid “time delay” detrimental to success this phase his mission… .
FYI US understands Hammarskjold has throughout mission made careful distinction between his SC mandate and his constitutional rights as SYG. By this distinction he has avoided Israeli injection of Suez Canal case into context his negotiations to carry out SC mandate. If Egyptians raise matter you might suggest occasion would be admirable one for demonstrating Egypt’s determination cooperate fully with SC by announcing they now prepared comply with SC resolution of September 1, 1951. Such announcement could have dramatic and beneficial effect on what further steps SC can take in stabilizing area situation. End FYI.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/4–2556. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Ludlow and approved by Bond who signed for Dulles.↩
- See Document 302.↩
- In telegram 2143, April 26, Byroade warned: “Russian Ambassador here will take initiative without waiting to be approached, telling Nasser of Hammarskjold’s request and asking Nasser’s views as to how matter should be handled.” (Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/4–2656)↩