Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Suez Crisis, July 26–December 31, 1956, Volume XVI

160. Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions¹

Washington, September 2, 1956—12:39 a.m.

Eyes only Chief of Mission and Henderson. We view with deepest concern reports and evaluations from Embassies London and Paris² on attitudes and apparent intentions of UK and French governments regarding plans for direct military intervention in Egypt. Furthermore, reports from U.S. Missions Cairo and Amman³ regarding evacuation British and French nationals add greatly to critical nature of situation. U.S. press is giving widest coverage to these developments.

U.S. is committed to endeavoring find peaceful solution to Suez issue and is doing all in its power to prevent outbreak of hostilities consequences of which might be incalculable. We believe discussions in Cairo of Five Nation Committee scheduled commence September 3 must be given every opportunity for success. If nevertheless these discussions are not successful we intend pursue efforts toward peaceful solution.

While we have been aware certain military measures⁴ undertaken by British and French as “precautionary steps”, we deeply concerned that intensified preparations on eve of Cairo discussions are anything but helpful in the mobilization of world opinion behind the Western position and will not enhance chances success of Committee. Of great concern in this regard is the widely publicized evacuation at this stage of British and French nationals particularly from Egypt and Jordan (Cairo’s 544 to Department, repeated to other addressees). In a sense these measures more disturbing than troop movements which may be described as precautionary. Not only local populace but wide segments world opinion interpret such action, in absence clear indication that local security situations have deteriorated to point where security of foreigners placed in jeopardy, as evidence that UK and France contemplate military intervention even while Committee is discussing peaceful settlement.

Dillon and Barbour should meet soonest with high level officials French and British Foreign Offices, preferably Ministers, and speak along foregoing lines. They should express serious concern re circumstances surrounding evacuation, and obtain information as to why British and French nationals being evacuated on large scale in absence any indication deteriorating security in Arab countries.

FYI only. Pending clarification British and French positions and in absence reports from Arab capitals indicating worsening local situations Department does not perceive necessity of wisdom of going beyond Phase I in U.S. evacuation plans in those countries for which that phase now applicable. End FYI.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/9–256. Top Secret; Niact. Drafted and approved by Hoover. Sent to London, Paris, Cairo, Rome, Amman, Baghdad, Damascus, Jidda, Beirut, and Tel Aviv. It was separately repeated to Moscow on September 2. (Ibid., 974.7301/9–256) A copy in the Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File, is initialed by Eisenhower with the comment: “Sent at my direction. D. File with Make cross reference on this file to my letter to Eden. D” The letter to Eden is Document 163.
2. See telegram 1249 from London, Document 158. In telegram 1047 from Paris, September 1, the Embassy reported: “Even if decision eventually employ force not yet taken by Cabinet (as we believe) there is every evidence of growing feeling in France, and apparently unanimous sentiment in Cabinet, that military measures may very well come to pass.” (Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/9–156)
3. Telegram 544 from Cairo, September 1, reported that the British Embassy had recently announced publicly that it had been instructed to reduce Embassy functions and to recommend evacuation of dependents. The telegram also noted that the French Embassy had received similar instructions, but had made no public announcements. (Ibid.) Telegram 155 from Amman, August 30, reported that the British Embassy had been instructed to take immediate steps to induce as many British subjects as possible to leave Jordan. (Ibid., 285.11/8–3056)
4. On August 29, the British Foreign Office issued the following statement: “The French Government have informed Her Majesty’s Government that, in view of developments in Egypt and in the canal zone, they wish to be in a position to ensure, in case of need, the protection of French nationals and their interests in the eastern Mediterranean. For this purpose the French Government have asked and Her Majesty’s Government have agreed, that a contingent of French troops should be temporarily stationed in Cyprus.” (The London Times, August 30, 1956)