Office of the Historian

867N.01/12–2848: Telegram

The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Acting Secretary of State

top secret
Cairo, December 28, 1948—11 a. m.

1766. For Satterthewaite from Griffis. Your 1696, December 151 has just reached me as I have been Paris, Geneva.

While I am interested in status possible benefits Egypt discussed [Page 1694] November 30 I have hitherto expressed my opinion frequently and at length to President, Secretary, Undersecretary, your Department and all top members American Delegation UN Paris that Palestine situation cannot be solved with sanctions, mediators, mediation commissions or any other way until firm and united US–UK front with defined borders likewise “acceptable to Israel are decided upon by UK and US. I believe that only by this method can problem resolve itself and until this is done any efforts this Embassy to influence King of Egypt are futile. If, however, UK and US can be brought into stated agreement on this matter I believe it can be solved rapidly and with dignity both to Israel and Arab states. My idea has always been to secure US–UK agreement before approaching King. As I am devoting my entire time to Palestine relief this wire not intended as resumption my duties as Ambassador here but this opinion deserves Department’s most prompt and urgent consideration on highest levels.

[Here follows final paragraph dealing with the Cairo-Suez pipeline.]

  • [Griffis]
  • Patterson
  1. Not printed; it gave the status of matters on Egypt discussed with Ambassador Griffis on November 30, including increased access to United States and world markets for Egyptian cotton, possible United States assistance in expediting construction of the Assuan Bam, technical assistance missions and the training of Egyptians in the United States by the Army and Air Force. The concluding paragraph of the telegram read: “Regret it evident from foregoing that basis for your proposed approach to King too limited and hypothetical warrant such approach now. Dept will continue pursue all favorable possibilities and will welcome further views or recommendations from you.” (611.8331/12–1548)↩