Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1–July 26, 1956, Volume XV

85. Message to Washington¹

No. 79

Cairo, February 8, 1956.

1. … representatives presented Ali Sabri this morning (8 February) long memo on problem of reducing tensions between Arab States and Israel and discussed a timetable of eight steps to completion of settlement.²

2. Memo on easing tensions prepared and presented because of constant emphasis by Nasr and Ali Sabri on solution this problem as essential step in direction of settlement. We pointed out that agreement by two sides on necessity easing tensions and even agreement on measures necessary to achieve this end probably would not be successful in practice without some kind of machinery. Sabri agreed to analysis of situation presented in memo and to proposition that machinery required.

3. We then presented timetable in which Anderson’s first visit was first step and second step was Anderson’s second visit, which we said we thought would produce statement from U.S. President on what he willing to do. We then suggested for Sabri’s consideration a third step consisting of systematic program under United Nations for reduction of tensions. We pointed out this could provide machinery needed by both sides, enable both sides to change propaganda line so as to favor eventual announcement settlement and provide cover for secret negotiations, which would not be revealed in any way to the United Nations.

4. Sabri accepted idea of step three in principle and asked time to study whole timetable in preparation for discussion on Saturday.³ He made point that step two had to produce assurance of serious intent from both sides and definite indications that settlement possible. Step three, he emphasized, can begin only after completion step two. Sabri said he would try provide detailed suggestions on step three and said he could think many things that could be done as part of this program. For example: Withdrawal of Egyptian troops from Sinai Area and Israeli troops from Beersheba.

5. Steps four to eight in timetable, project staff work on terms settlement, Nasr bringing in other Arab States, meeting of reps of Chief of State, meeting of Chiefs of State and final announcement.

6. At close of discussion Sabri pointed out there considerable concern in Egyptian Government and he said throughout Arab area over Tripartite discussions Wash. Said discussion of use of force by Tripartite Powers particularly unfortunate following U.N. SecGen’s visit.⁴ Said U.N. only proper instrument intervention in event hostilities.

1. Source: Department of State, NEA Files: Lot 59 D 518, Alpha—Anderson Talks w/BG & Nasser. Incoming Telegrams—Jan.–March 1956. Part I. Secret. The source text bears a notation that Secretary Dulles saw this message. Information on the source text indicates the message was sent from Cairo on February 8, but the copy furnished to the Department of State was dated February 9.
2. Supra.
3. February 11. No record of such a discussion has been Found in Department of State files. According to the records of the Department of State, the representatives did not meet again with Ali Sabri until February 15. See Document 96.
4. See footnotes 4 and 5, Document 25.