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

270. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State¹

Cairo, April 3/4, 1957—midnight

3112. Reference: Embtel 3103.² Saw Nasser tonight and, after reviewing part which USG had played in seeking pacific and reasonable solution of canal problem, said we had been disappointed to hear of intention GOE to cut short exchange of views and issue declaration which would apparently fall short of what we had hoped in several important respects. It therefore seemed necessary to clarify our position at this important stage and I read text of message in reference telegram.³

Nasser went over his position re our suggestions—especially six points,⁴ rights of users⁵ and adherence⁶ —in such way as indicate his misgivings as strong as ever but concluded by saying wanted have opportunity to discuss thoroughly and he was therefore giving order to suspend issuance of declaration for time being.

I asked how he would suggest proceeding. He said he ready give as much time as necessary but would probably be good idea for me to have initial go around with Fawzi. I shall accordingly get in touch with Fawzi tomorrow and see what can be done to get things underway. More in subsequent telegram re details Nasser’s observations.

Meanwhile request Department furnish as soon as possible any suggestions it may have regarding possible devices to meet Egyptian objections re six points, users role and adherence. It may be we shall find ourselves merely bumping our heads against same stone wall but I believe it is worth a last all-out try.

In view of Nasser’s willingness hold up declaration and continue conversations, I did not give him reference telegram message in writing.

Hare

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/4–357. Secret; Priority. Received at 1:22 p.m., April 5.
2. Document 263.
3. The Embassy in Cairo presumably intended to refer to telegram 3286, Document 265.
4. In telegram 3117 from Cairo, April 4, Hare reported Nasser’s two main objections to the she principles of October 13, 1956: 1) The principles had been interpreted in so many ways that evoking them would unavoidably lead to dispute and misunderstanding; and 2) inclusion of the principles in the declaration would provide the basis for Israeli claims to transit the Canal. Nasser explained that Egypt would not disavow the six principles, but felt strongly about mentioning them in the declaration. (Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/4–457).
5. With regard to the rights of users, Hare repeated in telegram 3117 Nasser’s pledge that Egypt was not only prepared to reaffirm adherence to the 1888 Convention but also to incur additional obligations to ensure free navigation of the Canal and the satisfaction of the users.
6. With regard to adherence, Hare reported in telegram 3117 that Nasser foresaw that Israel would be one of the first countries to take advantage of the U.S. draft, if it were adopted.