101. Message From the Secretary of State to the President1

Dear Mr. President: Eden and Selwyn Lloyd dined with us last night and later on toward midnight we were joined by Menzies.2 We mostly discussed procedure from here on and how to deal with the Egyptians. There will probably be some committee established and the question will be up as to who should be on the committee.

I can see that I may be subjected to very strong pressure to carry forward the negotiation with Nasser. I am disinclined to do so as this might engage me for a considerable time. Also, while the US has played a dominant role in the conference so far, I think it is preferable that we should become less conspicuous if this can be done without jeopardizing the whole affair.

I shall greatly appreciate your reaction on this problem.

Faithfully yours,

Foster3
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2056. Secret. Transmitted to the Department of State in Dulte 14 from London, August 20, 9 a.m., which is the source text, with the instruction “Eyes only Acting Secretary for President from Secretary”. The telegram was received at 6:55 a.m. A copy is in the Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles–Herter Series.
  2. See Document 99.
  3. Dulte 14 bears this typed signature.