Office of the Historian

389. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Australia1

Washington, October 27, 1956—11:31 a.m.

136. Eyes only Ambassadors. Please communicate following to Menzies and Casey from Secretary personally.

“I assume you are following developments in Middle East particularly Suez. I am beginning to feel concerned lest this Suez matter may become involved on the one hand with French problems in North Africa, and on the other hand with Israel-Arab problems and that our Western European friends may become deeply involved on a broad anti-Arab front.

I am not myself in close touch with recent British-French thinking but in view of leading role which Australia has played, I feel it appropriate to express my concern to you.”2

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/10–2756. Secret; Niact. Drafted and approved by Dulles. Repeated to Ottawa.↩
  2. Telegram 207 from Canberra, October 28, reported the following response: “Delivered text Prime Minister afternoon 28th upon his return to Canberra. Menzies was gratified for Secretary’s thoughtfulness in sending message. He had planned for some days send personal message to Secretary regarding Suez and he now hoped be able do so 29th. He remarked it was a pity timing of Hungarian problem interfered with work towards solution Suez. Assume message for Casey delivered London. He arrives Ottawa November 2.” (Ibid., 974.7301/10–2856)↩