265. Memorandum of a Conversation Between Secretary of State Dulles and Chancellor of the Exchequer Macmillan, Department of State, Washington, September 25, 19561
I had a private talk with Harold Macmillan. He expressed his great appreciation for my contribution in the Suez matter and particularly for the speech which I had made Wednesday night at the Conference. He referred to his pleasant talk with the President [Page 581] and his fine spirits. He said he hoped devoutly there was no question of his reelection.
I said that I hoped that nothing drastic would happen through British action which might diminish our chances. Macmillan said he recalled that we had been helpful in their election situation and he would bear that in mind. I said I felt that there was a basis for some reciprocity and he said he quite agreed.
We discussed the plans for diminishing Nasser’s prestige and I expressed the view that this could be done by economic and political means more effectively than by military means. Mr. Macmillan said to me the same thing that Anthony Eden had said on Thursday2 night, namely, that the present military situation was such that they could without undue expense hold action in abeyance. Their present military posture was not dependent on heavy shipping charges, as had originally been the case.