Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

740.5/11–1851: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris¹

secret
priority

Washington, November 18, 1951—9 p. m.

Tosec 40. For the Secretary from McGhee. We have been much disturbed by report in Delga 233 Nov 17² that Egypt FonMin is exerting “tremendous pressure” on heads Arab Dels to persuade them issue joint statement or separate statements either Tues or Wed supporting Egypt’s rejection MEC as well as its position on Anglo-Egyptian question. Since focal point Arab activities re MEC now seems to be Paris, we believe it wld be most helpful, provided you had opportunity and found it convenient, if you cld talk to heads Arab Dels (except Egypt) and impress upon them great importance which we attach to MEC and grave mistake Arab States wld make if they rejected MEC. We are certain that your personal intervention wld have profound effect at this critical stage.

We have instructed missions Arab caps (except Cairo) approach Govts along lines Deptel 2997 Nov 18³ and you might desire use this material shld you find it possible see heads Arab Dels. [McGhee.]

Webb

1. Drafted by Stabler of NE.
2. Not printed.
3. Infra.