320/11–1751: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1
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2997. For Secretary, Amb and GADel.
1. Malik’s report of Salaheddin’s efforts in Paris (Delga 233 Nov 17)2 is most disturbing. Although aware that Egypt has been doing its utmost to line up Arab support for its position on Anglo-Egyptian problem and MEC, Malik’s report is our first indication that Salaheddin’s efforts appear to be meeting with success. Leb suggestion re US approach to Ibn Saud is, of course, not new element since Amb Jidda has had full discussions with SAG and Dept has been in close touch here with Saudis, including DefMin Prince Misha’al, now visiting US. However, view reported trend in Paris, we feel that further endeavors shld be made immed not only with SAG but also with other Arab States which have not yet taken position on [Page 249] MEC. We shall suggest UK, Fr, and Turks make similar endeavors, but US will take action in any event. Consequently missions Arab Caps (except Cairo) shld approach Govt to which accredited at highest level you believe desirable along fol lines, basing this approach on reports re Egyptian activities which we have recd from Paris and elsewhere (but preserving Leb confidence):
2. US recognizes, as do its allies and friends, that Anglo-Egyptian sit is urgent problem which requires earliest solution and that until solution is found, unrest generated in Egypt will be reflected in NE area as whole. We are anxious to find reasonable and peaceable solution this problem and will leave no possibility for its solution unexplored. We still consider MEC offers hopeful avenue for settlement. However, still more important is what MEC can mean in terms welfare and security NE area. We sincerely believe that rejection MEC by Arab States merely to support Egypt position wld be catastrophe for Arab States and wld be dangerously contrary their own individual interests which, in our view, shld be paramount consideration. In proceeding with our intention to establish MEC we continuously recognize difficulty which wld confront Arab States if sponsors MEC press them state their position until they are prepared to do so and therefore sponsors have made particular point of preserving for Arab States their flexibility of position and opportunity for careful consideration and study MEC developments. Approach made last week re statement of principles is evidence this attitude.
It is with regret we have received reports from Paris and elsewhere that Egypt FonMin in Paris is pressing Arab States to reject MEC forthwith, apparently not on basis its merits, which we steadfastly believe it has but because Egypt wishes support for its precipitate actions, irrespective of individual interests other Arab States. We fully understand Egypt’s important position in NE area and natural affinity Arab States toward each other, but we wld find it most difficult to understand action by Arab States which wld freeze their position re MEC, simply to respond to Egyptian FonMin’s demands.
We therefore hope that Govt to which you accredited will continue to maintain its fullest flexibility and independence of action vis-à-vis MEC and will consider this question only on its merits.
3. Embs Paris, London and Ankara shld inform FonOff US making above approach and we hope similar instrs will be sent Fr, UK and Turk Dipl reps Arab caps.
4. GADel Paris shld inform Malik in strictest confidence our appreciation his helpful attitude and give him substance above approach.