Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Suez Crisis, July 26–December 31, 1956, Volume XVI

576. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

Washington, November 14, 1956—8:28 p.m.

1564. For Ambassador. During past few days Department has become increasingly concerned regarding rumors and reports of volunteers from Soviet Union for Egypt. It was clear Soviet Union was conducting psychological warfare of extensive character and there began appear indications Egypt might say they welcomed volunteers from Soviet Union in order strengthen their position vis-à-vis Britain, France and Israel. If this development should subsequently take place efforts which US has made and progress which UN has thus far achieved would be undermined.

Department considered it desirable bring its analysis attention GOE to ascertain whether Egypt had requested Soviet volunteers and whether Soviet Union had agreed to supply them. Rountree had off-record conversation with Egyptian Chargé Niazi November 14² in which he raised question of reports and inquired whether they were true.

Rountree recalled UNGA adopted Arab-Asian resolution on November 3³ to which Egypt subscribed which authorized SYG immediately to arrange with parties concerned for implementation cease-fire and halting of movement of military forces and arms into area and to report compliance forthwith and in any case not later than 12 hours from time of adoption of resolution. Rountree also recalled US resolution November 2⁴ recommended all members refrain from introducing military goods in area of hostilities and in general refrain from any acts which would delay or prevent implementation of resolution. SYG was requested to observe and promptly report on compliance with resolution.

Rountree said we assumed Egypt would wish all members of UN to live up to provisions of GA resolutions relating to hostilities in Egypt. Unless there was full compliance steps thus far taken by UN to effect cease-fire, formation of UN force and withdrawal of troops from Egypt might be adversely affected.

Rountree observed that Egypt’s position in event breakdown of cease-fire, continued presence of foreign forces and introduction of new forces would be dangerous in extreme. It was our view that if Soviet volunteers proceeded to Egypt, such situation might exist and that world opinion would note this fact and world support for Egypt would diminish.

Egyptian Chargé indicated he would inquire of his Government and would be in touch with Department.

You are requested, following SYG Hammarskjold’s arrival Cairo, to inform him substance Rountree’s off-record confidential talk with Egyptian Chargé. We believe you should stress US efforts ascertain facts which if true would indicate new situation had developed. You may also express Department’s view that Secretary General would have authority under GA resolutions, especially those of November 2 and 3, to investigate and report on introduction of military personnel and matériel into area. It seems to Department SYG would be entitled station representatives in seaports and at airports to determine whether resolutions were being complied with.

Department plans await response from Egypt Chargé and report of your own conversation with Hammarskjold with your evaluation before instructing you to approach Nasser re Soviet volunteers. However, if Nasser should independently raise with you, you may make observations similar to Rountree’s to Egyptian Chargé.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–1456. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Wilkins; cleared by Rountree and Walmsley and in substance by MacArthur and Phleger; approved by Howe; and signed by Rountree for Hoover. Repeated Priority to USUN, to London, Paris, and Moscow.
2. No memorandum of this conversation has been found in Department of State files.
3. Reference is to General Assembly Resolution 999 (ES–I); see Document 485.
4. Reference is to General Assembly Resolution 997 (ES–I); see Document 467.