605. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
3702. Eyes only for Ambassador. Ref Deptel 3666.2 Acting Secretary received Caccia today in response to latter’s approach of November 21 on question of consultation with British on Middle Eastern problems. Hoover said he had been surprised by Lloyd’s proposal that we now discuss these problems in view of “blackout” of information from British side over past five weeks. He said we had brought this situation to attention of British Government on several occasions to no effect and he inquired whether Caccia’s approach of November 21 indicates fundamental change of view on part of British Government. If so we would of course welcome it. Hoover pointed out, however, that British must recognize much must be done if unqualified trust is once again to be established between our two countries.
Caccia said he could state flatly that British Government does desire reestablish close relationship which formerly existed and wishes to discuss urgently many problems of vital importance to UK. Acting Secretary replied that once full compliance with UN resolutions re Suez crisis is effected we will be in position to enter into full consultation on these matters. Caccia obviously not completely satisfied with this reply and pointed out British Government greatly concerned lest problems concerning UN force and withdrawal UK-French forces be solved in such a way as to ignore British position and hand Nasser complete victory. Hoover repeated US Government’s conviction that introduction of UN force and phased withdrawal UK-French force should take place without delay and that once this is well under way we can enter into consultation with British on basic issues.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–2356. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted by Elbrick, cleared by Murphy, and approved by Elbrick who signed for Hoover.↩
- See footnote 4, supra.↩