Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1957, Volume XVII

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

Washington, April 4, 1957—6:07 p.m.

3306. Eyes only Ambassador from Secretary. McCloy has emphasized Nasser’s alleged suspicions that US proposals made to strengthen Israeli case beyond that under 1888 Convention and to bring about situation whereby World Court would be bound accept Israeli thesis (line reported Embtel 3093, April 2).²

We have not yet received report here of your latest talk with Nasser,³ and realize his opposition US suggestion might be far more basic than foregoing implies since obviously his declaration might specify that it open to accession by countries with which Egypt maintains diplomatic relations.

US believes in right of Israel under 1888 Convention to use Suez Canal and would retain that as objective to be achieved as soon as practicable. But we would not necessarily sacrifice all chances for substantial progress toward satisfactory solution by insisting now upon what Egypt would consider would enlarge Israel’s rights.

Foregoing might be borne in mind for discreet use.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/4–457. Top Secret; Niact. Drafted and approved by Dulles.
2. Document 262.
3. Reference is to telegram 3112, Document 270, which was not received until 1:22 p.m. on April 5.