Office of the Historian

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

Washington, June 28, 1956—8:10 p.m.

3099. Eyes only for Ambassador.

Dear Hank:

You will recall our talk last January2 about the desirability of shifting you to a new post where you would have somewhat less strain than is now the case. We both agreed then that this should not be hurried and not occur under conditions which would lead to any seriously false impressions as to alterations of our policy. I have come to conclusion that now would be a good time to make the shift of which we talked, and intend to propose to the President your appointment as Ambassador to South Africa.3

I need not, of course, go into detail with you about the importance of South Africa to us at this crucial stage of its development, and that of all Africa. You are as aware of these matters as any American; and have, I know, given them much thought. I want you to know, however, that I am personally convinced your presence South Africa will be in interest US and will contribute to your own development and to your value to the Service. I am also convinced, as I think we both agreed, that after more than 4 years of identification with the nerve–straining problems of the Near East, a change of environment and change of pace would be in your long–term interest.

I want to take this occasion to repeat again with greatest earnestness what I said to you before, namely that I consider you one of the very able members of the Foreign Service and have [Page 760] tremendous admiration for the resourcefulness and perseverance which you have displayed in the various tasks which have come to you, most recently that at Cairo. I believe that you have a great future before you.

I would appreciate a prompt cable in response as you can understand other changes are involved.4 Sincerely yours, John Foster Dulles.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 123–Byroade, Henry A. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Hanes and Dulles, cleared with Hoover, and approved by Secretary Dulles.↩
  2. According to Secretary Dulles’ Appointment Book, he met alone with Byroade on January 5 from 12:18 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. (Princeton University Library, Dulles Papers)↩
  3. President Eisenhower appointed Byroade Ambassador to South Africa on July 26, 1956.↩
  4. See Document 448.↩