368. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Rountree) to the Acting Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- Request to Mr. Robert Anderson that he call at the Department
Discussion:
At the meeting with the Secretary on May 23,2 it was agreed that it would be useful for a special emissary to proceed to Cairo for further discussions with Nasser, but that it should be made to appear that he was merely passing through Cairo on other business. This procedure would provide an opportunity to bring forcefully to Nasser’s personal attention the depth and nature of United States concern at current Egyptian policies and would permit a further evaluation of Nasser’s current attitudes without incurring the disadvantages which would stem from an elaborately arranged special mission to Cairo. By sending the emissary we could be fully satisfied that we had exhausted every possibility of reaching an understanding with Nasser.
It was also agreed that Mr. Robert Anderson should be asked to undertake the mission. Mr. Anderson possesses business interests in South Africa and he could ostensibly pass through Cairo in connection with them.
We believe he should depart as soon as possible …. Therefore, we hope that he will come to Washington early next week. One trip to Washington should suffice for making the detailed arrangements and briefings. However, Mr. Anderson might wish to return again for a final talk with the Secretary immediately before leaving for Cairo.
[Page 677]We are preparing the necessary briefing papers.
Recommendation:
That you telephone Mr. Anderson in New York requesting him to call at the Department for further discussions as soon as he can conveniently do so.3
- Source: Department of State, S/S–NEA Files: Lot 61 D 417, Omega #6. Top Secret; Omega. Drafted by Burdett.↩
- See Document 361.↩
- Hoover initialed his approval of Rountree’s recommendation. For Hoover’s summary of his conversation with Anderson, see Document 381.↩