486. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
1302. In conversation which followed … inquiry of Heikel as to, “What can be done to stop this thing?” Heikel said government willing “do anything” and cited following concessions which he [Page 965] thought (taking care point out speaking only for himself) government might make to end hostilities.
- 1.
- UN police force to guarantee Arab-Israeli border.
- 2.
- Establishment of UN body with full authority investigate and enforce solution to all outstanding problems in area, specifically including Palestine problem and charges that Egypt has been interfering with legitimate interests of Western Powers in the area.
- 3.
- US or UN forces (excluding British, French, Israeli or Egyptian) to occupy key points canal zone area to guarantee free transit canal (until provision 2 above implemented or US or UN wishes withdraw forces).
- 4.
- Egypt to agree abide by arms embargo applied freely all states in area (specifically GOE would stop receiving Soviet arms).
Comment: While, of course, Heikel has no official status, he is close confidant of Nasser and not unlikely in present deteriorating situation proposals along this line would be acceptable to Nasser (if not actually inspired by him), providing as they do for withdrawal Israeli forces and no occupation by British or French forces. More questionable would be his ability or willingness some future date make positive as distinct from passive attitude towards support UN settlement Palestine question as outlined point 2. Perhaps most significant feature this conversation not specific points but indication regime may be dispirited to point it prepared make substantial concessions.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–356. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Received at 9:35 p.m.↩