407. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
2545. As Hussein had told Nasser everything he had to say, when he requested appointment referred to in Embtel 24282 he indicated that he did not wish to press seeing Nasser during his intense schedule of past few days. He has therefore not had appointment since dispatch above reftel and probably will not have until sometime next week.
Hussein yesterday, however, was somewhat encouraged. He felt Nasser’s speech3 was one of moderation. It was an ideal occasion for real rabble–rousing and he found encouraging fact that Nasser did not so use it. He also very pleased at Nasser’s remarks about British and fact that Baghdad Pact was not even mentioned.
He also encouraged by recent talks with Fawzi who gives impression Nasser becoming more moderate and desirous of not letting relations with West get any worse. He reports that Fawzi has had five talks with Nasser since his return on subject relations with West. Hussein feels there is definite reaction setting in in Egypt about too close dependence on Russia. He does not know whether government clearly senses this as yet but believes it may already be having some effect. I agree with Hussein that there is some increase in feeling here on this subject.
Fawzi assures him that no agreements or commitments had been reached here with Shepilov. He thinks Fawzi in position to know as he thinks he attended all meetings. (We unable verify this.) Fawzi showed him communiqué to be issued today4 which also pleased him as it was very general. Fawzi hopes communiqué will not be badly received in West. He stated it would be a disappointment to many Egyptians who have been expecting something dramatic. Hussein aware of course that communiqués are seldom really finalized until just before issue and this one might be changed.
Hussein says he does not believe the talks have been as specific as would be indicated by … reports. He says he himself has heard these same stories from highly responsible people but is inclined to [Page 745] take Fawzi’s word that the talks have been of a more general nature. Hussein concludes that if High Dam deal is done with Russia that final agreement and announcement will not be made until Nasser’s trip there in August.
Believe we may be entering stage where Nasser’s supreme confidence he handling things properly and conviction that he is making progress for Egypt will be reflected in lack of criticism of policies of others. He gives every impression of pride of accomplishment, one might hope now he would have desire base his appeal to public more on positive record of achievement and less on rabble–rousing charges against “imperialist” powers in West.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.74/6–2256. Secret. Received at 4:49 p.m. Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus, Jidda, London, and Tel Aviv.↩
- Document 391.↩
- Reference is to a speech by Nasser at Cairo on June 19, in which he proclaimed the lifting of martial law and the ending of all press censorship in Egypt. (Telegram 2539 from Cairo, June 21; Department of State, Central Files, 874.424/6–2156)↩
- Text of the communiqué, released at Cairo on June 22, was transmitted in telegram 2546 from Cairo, June 22. (Ibid., 033.6174/6–2256)↩