158. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1
1249. With Committee of Five scheduled initiate discussions with Nasser Monday2 attitude top Brit Govt officials continues to be one of skepticism whether Nasser can be persuaded to accept arrangement which will adequately ensure effective international operation of Canal and make clear to world that Nasser has not “gotten away with” his Canal seizure. Their thinking is still to effect that military action will be necessary and they are not prepared appreciably to delay forcing issue. Their reasoning as heretofore seems to be along two lines. On one hand they reiterate negative arguments previously set forth as to disastrous effect upon Western and particularly Brit position in Middle East if Nasser is not effectively checked at this time. On other hand they seem increasingly to have convinced themselves that military operations could be confined to narrow area of Egypt and could be swiftly successful at small cost in men and treasure. On this assumption they foresee military defeat Nasser as restoring Brit position and prestige Middle East permitting favorable solution Brit problems with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, etc. as well as Egypt. They also seem confident that Govts of Tunisia, Libya, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Iraq would all welcome use of force against Nasser. Although admitting its certainty they tend to minimize contrary public reaction throughout Arab world and are relatively unimpressed when it is pointed out that history of French military action Algeria, Morocco, etc. argues against likelihood rapid local success of operations in Egypt.
Same govt circles are aware that Brit public opinion of various shades is increasingly opposed to use of military force but tend to ignore strength of such opinion apparently in genuine belief that current situation is historic turning point for Britain and govt has traditional responsibility take forceful course regardless consequences.