363. Editorial Note
During a telephone conversation on October 22, Hammarskjöld informed Lodge that, according to Dixon, the British and French Governments would require something in writing from Egypt before a meeting among the three could take place. Dixon had also maintained that there must be “at least some delay” in replying to Hammarskjöld’s message concerning a possible meeting of the three on October 29. Hammarskjöld commented to Lodge that he did not think the situation had gone to pieces, but that it had slowed down a little bit; the situation was not bad but it was not good either. (Memorandum of telephone conversation by Lodge, October 22; USUN Files, Unnumbered Files, Suez Canal)
At 4:44 p.m. on October 22, Lodge telephoned Dulles and repeated what Hammarskjöld had told him concerning Dixon and other subjects. According to Bernau’s transcript, the conversation then proceeded as follows: “The Sec. said we have quite a bit of info from the Fr. They are willing to stall until after elections and then are not disposed to delay the use of force. L. said the Sec. has done a good job. The Sec. said it is not over. The Sec. does not think H. should be complacent. L. said he is not. The Sec. thinks the Br. and Fr. are trying to maneuver the Egyptians into the position of coming forth with a complete program. L. said H. agrees with that. The Sec. said it is contrary to trading instincts. They are willing to sit down and gradually work it out but to make a written proposal—the Sec. doubts they will do it. The negotiations have to proceed as in NY under H. H. told them that. The Sec. feels this delay is very bad. L. [Page 766] said H. expects another reply tomorrow and L. will be in touch and L. will get word here.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations)