484. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
Cairo, July 20,
1956—4 p.m.
108… . initial reaction from … Nasser when latter heard reports decision regarding High Dam:
- 1.
- Nasser was not surprised having expected all along that United States would not follow through on offer.
- 2.
- … opinion it would have been better if statement had briefly announced United States Government not prepared maintain offer. Department’s statement insincere in that riparian rights (Sudan) had always been understood as precondition. Furthermore, statement’s reference to internal economic viability (as well as announcement’s timing) might make it more difficult bargain with Soviets.
- 3.
- Timing of statement resented as obvious effort counteract Brioni and Nasser–Nehru talks.
… no indication as to what counter-moves GOE intended take. No papers appeared yesterday or today due holidays.
Comment: Too early predict next GOE moves. We assume they will be largely conditioned by GOE appraisal of extent to which anti-United States campaign and demonstration Egypt still has powerful friends may seem necessary to counter doubts in other Arab States and in Egypt as to wisdom GOE’s present policies.
Byroade
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 874.2614/7–2056. Confidential. Received at 4:57 p.m. Repeated to London.↩