Office of the Historian

568. Message From President Eisenhower to Prime Minister Eden1

Washington, November 11, 1956.

Dear Anthony: I am in full agreement with the objectives set forth in your message of November 72 which crossed mine of that same day. We have the problems you describe very much in mind and I, too, hope that we could meet in the near future. Meanwhile, I feel we must continue to push forward on the introduction of the UN Force and the withdrawal of Anglo-French forces, and that these things should be done with the utmost speed. We should then be in [Page 1111] a position to consider arranging a meeting. I have sent similar word to Prime Minister Mollet.3

My preliminary reports from Al Gruenther indicate that it would not seem necessary for him to come to London to see you.4

With warm regard.

As ever,

Ike5
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/11–1156. Top Secret. Transmitted to London in Priority telegram 3421, November 11, 1:53 p.m., which is the source text, with the instruction: “Please deliver soonest following message from President to Sir Anthony Eden. Confirm date and time delivery.”↩
  2. Document 548.↩
  3. See footnote 4, Document 566.↩
  4. In a message to Goodpaster, dated November 8, Gruenther had described several difficulties arising from the proposal that he visit Eden in London to discuss the concerns which Eden had raised over the telephone with Eisenhower on November 7. Gruenther noted that his visit could not be hidden from the press, that his position as Commander of NATO forces placed him in a sensitive position, and that he would have to cancel dates with “important people” to make the trip. In a separate message to Goodpaster later on November 8, Gruenther reported that British Defense Minister Anthony Head had suggested that Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir William Dickson, visit Gruenther in Paris and that Gruenther could visit Eden later, if he still thought it to be necessary. Goodpaster subsequently reported to Gruenther on November 8 that President Eisenhower approved the arrangement. (Eisenhower Library, White House Central Files, Suez Canal Crisis)↩
  5. Telegram 3421 bears this typed signature.↩