Office of the Historian

149. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Posts1

Washington, November 21, 1956—7:55 p.m.

426. FYI. Abortive British-French military action against Egypt has precipitated new situation in Near East. Soviet prestige and influence in certain Near Eastern countries, particularly Syria and Egypt, has attained threatening proportions. [4 lines of source text not declassified] For present only US can provide leadership combat Soviet influence and revive and strengthen Near Eastern ties with West. End FYI.

You should utilize all appropriate contacts make clear informally to government you accredited and its people that US accepts and intends discharge this responsibility and will be guided by following general principles.

1.
US fully supports intense desire peoples of Near East for full independence free any foreign domination. We shall oppose efforts from any quarter to impose foreign domination in area; we have, of course, no interest establishing any kind US domination.
2.
US convinced peoples of Near East must recognize natural economic interdependence between their area and Western Europe. Latter area provides only practicable market Near Eastern oil. Western Hemisphere is net exporter petroleum, and neither Soviet bloc (which now exporting petroleum) nor remainder free world can absorb Near East’s output. Suez Canal, pipelines and air lanes that link Europe and Asia can be profitable to Near East only if used by Western Europe. If Western Europeans cannot depend with confidence on availability of Near Eastern oil and transport facilities, they will have develop alternatives. Resultant decline Western purchases oil and use transport [Page 352] facilities in area could seriously reduce income and prospects economic and social progress of many Near Eastern states. Fair and reliable solution Suez issue is therefore imperative in interests of all.
3.
US further convinced solution Arab-Israel dispute is prerequisite to political stability and economic and social progress in Near East. Political talents and economic resources that might have been devoted stability and progress in Near East have too long been diverted to fostering and exacerbating this dispute. This has led to arms race and border incidents initiated by both Arabs and Israelis and culminating in Israel’s recent attack on Egypt. Evident Soviet intention perpetuate and exploit this dispute now poses greatest threat Near Eastern independence.
4.
US considers close ties with USSR are source of peril to any Near Eastern state. Recent events Hungary constitute latest example risk to any small country of entering into close ties with USSR, which ruthless in perpetuating control of country once brought under its domination. USSR attempting enmesh some Near Eastern countries by large-scale arms deals, concentration of trade with bloc and acceptance bloc advisers and technicians. USSR, through “volunteers” or other means, might intervene in any new outbreak hostilities in Near East, whatever their cause. There is real danger such developments might bring major powers to war in area. US, for its part, could not accept establishment Soviet military power in area. Expanded war in Near East would bring death and devastation to peoples of area and make independence a mockery. We shall continue strive prevent such war.
5.
US supports and will continue provide leadership in UN efforts establish peace, security and stability in Near East. UN’s prompt action following attacks on Egypt and its effective mobilization world opinion against this resort force have shown once again that UN is source security and protection for small nations. We believe creation UN Emergency Force was major advance in development UN’s security functions and presence of this force will serve security interests all Near Eastern states. We pressing for prompt and full implementation of recent GA resolutions and early UN action looking toward permanent solution Suez Canal. We are also looking toward UN action on Arab-Israel issue at reasonably early date.
6.
US remains ready cooperate with peoples of Near East in promoting economic and social progress in area. This cooperation would be extended without political strings and for purpose strengthening Near Eastern independence and stability. If area governments and peoples so desire, we shall seek with them agreed acceptable basis for cooperation. Assuming this basis can be found and trend events in area offers reasonable prospects success, we would be prepared make increased contributions toward appropriate indigenous development programs.
Hoover

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–2156. Confidential Drafted by Mathews and signed for Hoover by Rountree. Sent to Baghdad, Jidda, Damascus, Beirut, Tehran, Karachi, Ankara, Cairo, and Tel Aviv; repeated to London, Paris, Tripoli, Moscow, Ottawa, Kabul, and New Delhi.

    On November 26, Robert R. Bowie forwarded the text of this circular telegram to Acting Secretary Hoover for his approval under cover of a note indicating that the telegram had been written in response to Document 140, which Hoover had approved. (Department of State, S/P Files: Lot 66 D 487, Chronological 1956 Jan-Dec.) A typed notation on Bowie’s covering note indicates that the telegram was approved by Hoover.

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