617. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1

3749. Eyes only Ambassador. Embtels 29102 and 2917.3 I agree it is in our best interest to reestablish consultation with British and French and hope it will prove possible do so. Basic requirement is concrete evidence of more substantial withdrawal British and French forces as build-up UNEF proceeds. At same time it is not necessary in our view that last UK-French soldier leave Egypt before consultation on Middle East problems be reestablished.

We appreciate British and French reluctance withdraw all forces without some assurances UN will follow through re (a) effectiveness UNEF (b) clearing Canal and maintaining its availability and (c) more permanent solution Suez and Palestine question. These problems and their interrelationship will be taken up by Phleger with SYG and Lodge in New York tomorrow and, in light his views, subsequently with British and French.

We will keep you advised.

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–2656. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted by Lister and Elbrick, cleared by Hoover and Murphy, and approved by Elbrick who signed for Hoover.
  2. Telegram 2910, November 24, pointed out an inconsistency in telegram 3702 (Document 605) as to whether the United States intended to resume consultation with Great Britain after or during an Anglo-French withdrawal. (Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–2456)
  3. Document 614.