648. Telegram From the Delegation at the North Atlantic Council Ministerial Meeting to the Department of State1
Secto 7. Reference: USUN 308;2 Bonn Topol 2238;3 Cairo 1844,4 all to Department. Principal US concern is clearance of canal as quickly as possible in interest of all users and as only real way end current petroleum shortage. We understand reasons why British [Page 1294] and French wish to see use of their salvage equipment or at least minimum portion and also reasons for Egyptian opposition. However, we believe US should be guided by what will bring about most expeditiously clearance of canal.
Under existing circumstances, SYG and General Wheeler in best position to judge what, if any, action by US or other users would assist in accomplishing objective. We not able to evaluate here whether British-French equipment actually needed or could be used effectively in manner described USUN 3075 to Department and Cairo reference telegram. Independent moves at this time by US or other users, uncoordinated with UN, could disturb present delicate situation.
Accordingly, unless Department has contrary views, if requested by General Wheeler or SYG, Ambassador Hare should make representation to Egyptian Government re use of any or all British-French salvage equipment but not otherwise. We hope UK and France will agree to use of their equipment in manner best calculated to expedite clearance.
If UN efforts fail to make progress quickly, and after receipt of full facts, we of course may wish to reconsider matter.
Other users (Bonn’s Topol 2238) requesting US views may be informed along above lines. Lloyd has asked that US urge Egypt agree to use of British equipment.
Paragraph 2 of USUN 308 apparently refers to informal dinner meeting of SCUA given by Danish Ambassador in London not Paris. American Ambassador did not make statement attributed to him by Swedish Ambassador.6
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/12–1156. Secret; Niact. Received at 12:12 p.m. Repeated to London, Niact to Cairo, Bonn, and Niact to USUN.↩
- See footnote 4, Document 645.↩
- In Topol 2238, December 10, the Embassy in Bonn reported that the British Embassy had approached the German Foreign Office with a request that the German Federal Republic intervene with the Egyptian Government to permit British salvage operations pending a U.N. takeover. The Foreign Office requested to be informed of the U.S. position on the matter. (Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/12–1056)↩
- Telegram 1844, December 10, reported that Hammarskjöld had authorized Wheeler to retain a certain number of French and British crew members on each salvage vessel for instructional purposes for a short period after which they would be replaced. (Ibid., 974.7301/12–1056)↩
- Delga 307, Document 645.↩
- Aldrich’s report of this meeting was transmitted to the Department of State in telegram 3208, December 8, not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/12–856)↩