309. Report Prepared in the Executive Secretariat of the Department of State1
SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENTS IN SUEZ SITUATION
[Here follows a summary of Prime Minister Nehru’s letter to Dulles; see footnote 3, Document 303.]
Secretary’s Conversations at Security Council
At a meeting of the US, UK, and French delegations preceding Friday’s2 Security Council session, the Secretary agreed that the US would consult with the British and French on possible amendments to the two-power resolution if time permitted. He stated that the US would support the resolution but could not guarantee votes. In a private talk, Shepilov suggested to the Secretary3 the establishment of a “mechanism” for possible negotiations with Egypt combining the protection of Egyptian sovereignty with the interests of the users. The Secretary replied that it is far better to ascertain first whether the basis for negotiation existed and then set up the mechanism. Shepilov asserted that he is more than ever convinced that any attempt to impose a rigid formula for international operation is bound to fail; he recommended instead Egyptian operation of the Canal with the international participation of all countries. Shepilov said that the Egyptian position is not irreconcilable and Egypt is prepared to search for some compromise as long as her sovereign rights are respected. In another conversation, Spaak voiced his deep concern to the Secretary over the premature recourse to the UN.4 Spaak stated his conviction that a resort to force is impossible but he fears a UN crisis on top of the Suez problem.
[Here follows discussion of Italy’s admission to SCUA executive group (reported in telegram 1884 from London, October 5; Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/10–556); British stall on payment of tolls to SCUA (British memoranda transmitted in telegram 1888 from London, October 5; ibid.); Iran’s reaction to the U.K.-French resolution (reported in telegram 541 to Tehran, October 8; [Page 661] ibid.); and possible adherence of Pakistan and Ethiopia to SCUA (reported in telegram 1883 from London, October 5; ibid.).]
(Summary closed 12:00 Noon October 8, 1956)
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File, Top Secret; Eyes Only for Designated Recipient.↩
- Reference is to a meeting on October 5, a summary of which was transmitted to the Department in Secto 2 from USUN. (Department of State Central Files, 974.7301/10–556) At this meeting, the three delegations also discussed changes in the British-French draft resolution.↩
- See footnote 4, Document 302.↩
- See footnote 3, ibid.↩