Office of the Historian

376. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1

London, October 25, 1956—4 p.m.

2268. Eyes only Secretary from Ambassador. Paris eyes only for Dillon. Re Deptel 29502 replying points enumerated second para:

(1)
I heartily favor the idea.
(2)
I believe HMG would respond favorably unless events should move so rapidly in Middle East that it would be impossible for Eden to leave London at time suggested. I make this qualification not because I have any information that HMG has decided to take forcible action against Egypt in near future but I have in mind generally explosive character of situation in that area.
(3)
I believe intimation referred to, including presupposition that no forcible action would be taken against Egypt prior to meeting, should be given now. To do this would have obvious advantages because if invitation is encouraged by Eden we will know at once that no immediate use of force is contemplated and in any event Eden’s reaction should throw further light on plans of British and French in immediate future. I would like to suggest that, if matter is to be broached privately now, it should be done by personal message from President to Eden; and that I be permitted to take message personally to Eden. I would thus be in a position to discuss situation with him if his immediate reaction should be unfavorable because of fear that his acceptance of an invitation on that condition now might tie his hands during the critical negotiations with Egypt which it is hoped will take place during the next few weeks. I do not believe that either Eden or the British Cabinet is so wedded to the possible immediate use of force in case negotiations regarding the Canal should break down in next few weeks as to be unwilling to accept the invitation on the basis suggested but it might require very careful presentation to persuade them to do so.

[Page 782]

It seems to me that it is clear that Eden and Mollet would wish to coordinate their action before replying to the invitation.

Aldrich
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 641.74/10–2556. Secret; Priority. Received at 5:19 p.m. Repeated to Paris.↩
  2. Document 371.↩