Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 2

641.74/6–1753: Telegram

No. 1185
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

top secret
niact

Washington, June 17, 1953—2:08 p.m.

2369. Eyes only Ambassador. FYI. Churchill has sent long negative reply to President’s message of June 10, sent Cairo as 2338.² Attached to his reply was memorandum written by Robertson³ giving Robertson’s views on President’s message and Secretary’s formula contained in Deptel 2339.⁴

From our point of view only constructive note was that Churchill would not object to US advising Egyptians to resume talks. Robertson’s memorandum put forward thesis that Secretary’s formula very little better than what Egyptians had already offered and very little better than Case C. Memorandum stated Robertson had already given Churchill his views as to why he considered British should reject Case B⁵ and therefore formula “unacceptable.” Memorandum contained, however, following statement: “I may be too optimistic, but I believe that we could get an agreement which retains the essentials of Case A provided that resumption of discussions is not too long delayed, and that you can accept certain concessions of form to pander to Egyptian conceit.”

I consider it most important that specifics contained Deptels 2337, 2338 and 2339 to Cairo,⁶ as well as Churchill’s message described herein, remain unknown to Egyptians at this time. President’s reply to Churchill and further instructions to London will be sent shortly. Pending their receipt, matter should not be discussed further with British.

Dulles

1. Repeated to London as telegram 7991.
2. Printed as telegram 7841 to London, Document 1179.
3. Not printed.
4. Printed as telegram 7866 to London, Document 1181.
5. Regarding “Cases C and B”, see Document 1061.
6. Printed as telegrams 7865, 7841, and 7866 to London, Documents 1180, 1179 and 1181, respectively.