674.84A/6–1553
No. 625
The Director of the Office of Near
Eastern Affairs (Hart) to the Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery)
official-informal
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: Thank you for your letter of May 5, 19531 analyzing the present attitude of Egypt towards a possible peace settlement with Israel. The ideas that you advanced are strikingly similar to those put forward by Ambassador Davis in his talks at the Department. They were in accord with my fears that very little interest exists at present among the Arabs in resolving this troublesome question.
However, a recent development, if our information proves accurate, gives cause for slightly more optimism. This report was obtained by a representative of the Department most informally and confidentially from an official of the Israeli Embassy here. This source alleged Colonel Gamal Abd Al Nasir has written a letter to an unspecified Israeli addressee soliciting Israel’s help in “achieving Egypt’s aspirations.” The letter did not discuss or raise particular issues. The communication and the Israeli reply were exchanged at Paris.
To me this is a most surprising development, particularly the fact that Nasir should put anything of this nature in writing. I [Page 1241] would appreciate your views as to the report’s authenticity and any other information on the matter which may come to the attention of the Embassy.
Another indication of a more favorable Egyptian attitude is Egypt’s apparent readiness to sign an agreement with UNRWA for refugee projects in the Gaza-Sinai area. If these projects materialize, they may prove an opening wedge for further moves leading to a decrease at least in the number of unassimilated refugees under Egyptian control. I would much appreciate your comments on the possibility of this agreement being signed and on its significance.
Sincerely yours,
- Not printed.↩