111. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State1
1904. I called this morning on Prime Min Ali Sabri at his request. He began conversation by saying not necessary repeat all the things Fawzi had said to me.2 Then stated interested in use of phrase “pre-arranged and premeditated” (Sabri’s words) in note and in conversation. He asked that I give him any evidence we had this point. I stated there could be no doubt of pre-arrangement if one examined nature of incident and its success from point of view those who wished it. I said that if he read carefully my statement and our note, he would see that I had never stated by whom incident arranged and had refrained carefully from any charge Egyptian involvement. I said I had done this and reported my govt no Egyptians involved even in light of numerous rumors and reports to contrary. I had avoided carefully overemphasizing these rumors for fear of exacerbating situation. I was now authorized to accept the UAR note expressing deep pain and the statement of willingness to negotiate compensation,3 subject, or course, to successful working out matter. I said my prime purpose now was to overcome bad effects this incident but that it was impossible for me to do it alone. I must have their help. I said they had failed comply basic customs in matters of this kind and that throughout night of incident many of American and foreign press as well as others repeatedly asked me, “have you heard from Egyptian Govt?,” to which I of course had to reply in negative. I said I could only compare this with custom through centuries and for example recent example in Sudan, where half of Cabinet called to express regret for incidents, of which he aware since his govt involved in same circumstances. He said he had not been aware of custom and thought that sending Chief of Police with his expression adequate. I said his expression concern had reached me only in the note and had not been conveyed by Chief of Police. I told him that I had arrived two months ago with great hope and great expectation strengthening our relations. I still had them and wished to overcome problems surrounding this incident, but he must help and help more than he had done before and after incident. I said good relations two-way street, that I would do my part, but that I could do [Page 245] no more than that. He said, “What would you like me to do?” I said, prevent creation situations such as UAR press treatment issues involving US. I told him I would like to inform US press that he had called me in today to repeat expressions given me by Dr. Fawzi of GUAR regret and willingness to discuss compensation. He acceded.
Sabri repeated desire as expressed by Pres Nasser in his recent speech to maintain good relations with US. I said this also our desire, repeating again it was a two-way street. We then sat for minutes in which neither of us spoke. I made no move terminate conversation. He then repeated strong desire good relations. I said that before leaving I wished to tell him that humanitarian mission conducted in Congo had been completed, that large number hostages had been evacuated, and that Belgian troops and US planes transporting them now out of area. I said I had noted UAR press treatment given Ball statement this morning and said I had sent off tel immediately asking for guidance. Response from Washington had indicated statement taken out of context and had referred to Congolese land movements.
Conversation very firm, slightly tense, but ended reasonably pleasantly. I will talk with American press later today.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–8 UAR. Confidential; Priority.↩
- Telegram 1885 from Cairo, November 28, reported Battle’s meeting that day with Foreign Minister Fawzi. (Ibid.)↩
- Telegram 1886 from Cairo, November 28, transmitted the text of the UAR note delivered that day. (Ibid.)↩