Office of the Historian

422. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State1

Paris, October 30, 1956—4 p.m.

2059. While French remain uncommunicative as at present, we cannot obtain here solid information concerning their intentions. However report transmitted Embtel 2057 repeated London 355,2 [Page 858] though not confirmed, is entirely plausible. No effort is being made here to conceal that intensive military preparations are going forward in Mediterranean. Newspapers are full of reports concerning series high-level meetings at Defense Ministry, reinforcement troops in Cyprus and activities French fleet.

Our estimate is that, through current operation, French are continuing pursue objective they have had primarily in mind since onset Suez crisis, that is, overthrow or at least humiliation of Nasser. If this can be achieved by Israeli arms alone, French might refrain from overt intervention, though even in this case Franco-British occupation of Canal zone “to ensure free transit” would seem likely. Moreover, if Israelis should prove unable knock out Egyptians promptly or if in civil disorders French nationals in Egypt should be molested, French would be likely to intervene at once and on large scale.

Once French have intervened overtly with armed forces, they would not withdraw until their objective achieved. It would seem probable therefore that only hope of forestalling or limiting French action (unless we have already prevailed upon British to hold back) might be strongest and most solemn U.S. representations on highest level within next few hours.

Dillon
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/10–3056. Top Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Received at 10:40 a.m. Repeated Niact to London.↩
  2. Telegram 2057 from Paris, October 30, reported that, according to a well-informed French journalist, the French Cabinet that morning had unanimously approved French military intervention in the Suez Canal Zone, provided that Great Britain also participated, and endorsed French use of the veto in the Security Council against any resolution condemnatory of Israel. Also, according to the source, three Cabinet Ministers expected that the landings might occur on October 31. The Embassy also noted that Pineau had left for London at 9:30 a.m. Paris time that morning and Mollet at 11:30 a.m. (Ibid.)↩