164. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and
South Asian Affairs (Talbot) to the President’s Special Representative and
Adviser on African, Asian, and Latin American Affairs (Bowles)0
Washington, January 15,
1962.
SUBJECT
- Proposed Discussion with President Nasser
We suggest that if possible you have two discussions with Nasser, the first being a tour d’horizon of
our mutual interests and problems in light of the world situation, and the
second being an attempt to reach common conclusions.
Between the two conversations you might have talks with such people as
Baghdadi, Mohieddin, Ali Sabri1 and
Mahmoud Riad.2
[Page 405]
We believe your visit to Cairo should follow rather than precede our planned
offer to explore (without commitment) more comprehensive economic
cooperation. We consider it essential that there be no implication of
pressure and that your discussions take place in the favorable atmosphere
that our offer of economic cooperation should create. Moreover, we think it
imperative to make an early response to the U.A.R. on the economic aspects of our proposed action
program.
Your meetings with Nasser might be an
appropriate occasion to discuss frankly the question of a state visit.
Inasmuch as we are trying to build up Ambassador Badeau’s position, we would suggest he accompany you on your
meetings.
Bearing in mind that Nasser is highly
susceptible to flattery (so long as it seems genuine) but also highly
sensitive to criticism, we suggest the tenor of your remarks be such as to
draw him toward what we hope he will do and avoid any
direct implication that we’re telling him what he should not do.
For that reason, we would suggest avoiding direct discussion of his
nationalization and sequestration measures, his handling of the French
espionage case, his antagonistic propaganda against the U.K. or other of his more radical policies.
Attached, along with a draft text of a letter from President Kennedy to President Nasser regarding your visit3 and a telegraphic
instruction to Ambassador Badeau, is
an outline of what we would consider the most useful type of dialogue.
We believe that in any release here concerning your trip, the stop in Cairo
should be mentioned in passing and that in Cairo press conferences should be
avoided.
Attachment4
SUGGESTED POINTS FOR DISCUSSION WITH NASSER
- 1.
- The World Situation: To the extent possible
give Nasser the impression
he’s being given an “inside” briefing of our tactics in dealing with
crises such as Berlin, Laos, Viet-Nam. Emphasize basic weaknesses of
the Communist system and basic strengths of the Western
position.
- 2.
- Neutralism: Discuss background of our
post-Belgrade policy toward Yugoslavia, our decisions on Goa, the
Volta Dam project in Ghana and what we think the proper role of the
neutrals should be. Encourage statesmanship on Nasser’s part as a neutralist.
Stress our acceptance of neutralism and its basic inacceptability to
the USSR.
- 3.
- Africa: Note with satisfaction our
differences on the Congo seem to be dissolving. Welcome closer
relations between Casablanca and Monrovia powers.
- 4.
- The Middle East: Stress nothing basically
incompatible between US and UAR
goals. We just as interested as UAR
in social progress. UAR has great
opportunity to lead by example. There are many roads to social
progress. Hope UAR will consider
borrowing what is good from the West as well as from others. US
recognizes key importance of UAR to
stability of area and would strongly oppose any attempt encircle or
isolate UAR. We cannot guarantee our
Allies always see things our way, but we do propose to pursue our
course.
- 5.
- US–UAR
Relations: We would like to get back to 1952–55 era of
mutual confidence. As young men of courage and determination,
Kennedy and Nasser between them should be able
mark out areas of mutual interest and defend them against assault by
forces seeking divide us. It is essential to prevent extraneous
issues from complicating our relations. We should judge each other
by our actual deeds and not by what the rumor-mongers may say we’re
doing.
- 6.
- Nasser
Visit: Discuss frankly the question of a state
visit.
- 7.
- Israel and the Zionists: Subscribe to
UAR view that Palestine question
be “kept in the refrigerator” and stress virtues of quiet discussion
and cooperation with Johnson mission. Discuss frankly the problems
created for us by the Zionists and necessity to convince them that
closer US–UAR relations need not
ipso facto prejudice Israel’s security.
- 8.
- Conclusion: Stress our conviction that with
determination, patience, courage and understanding US and UAR can work together toward
mutually-desired goals of political stability, economic and social
progress, cultural exchange and avoidance of Communist infiltration
or Soviet domination in the Middle East and Africa.
