Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1955, Volume XIV

347. Telegram from the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State¹

London,October 20, 1955—9 p.m.

1602. From Foster. During temporary absence of Ambassador Aldrich from London this afternoon Eden sent for me urgently and expressed in strong terms his personal interest in proposals concerning the High Dam in Egypt which Makins was instructed today to discuss in Washington “at the highest possible level as soon as possible”.Eden will see Ambassador Aldrich at noon tomorrow to reiterate his views but meanwhile he wished me, in view urgency situation, to send this message.

Prime Minister said he knew Washington shared HMG’s increasingly grave concern over Middle Eastern situation, which had been subject of a number recent Cabinet meetings. He thought Russian arms offers were most sinister event in East-West conflict since Soviets took over Czechoslovakia. He saw no solution for the West in trying to out bid Soviets with still greater arms offers. As to Egypt, he did not know whether United States might have reached point of feeling that in view Nasser’s present position United States could give Egypt nothing further. I interjected to say I was sure United States had not reached such a point but on contrary was giving very active consideration to possible means countering Soviet arms program.

Prime Minister then outlined proposals regarding High Dam as communicated to Makins today and gave me copy Macmillan’s telegram to Makins. (Although Makins will no doubt give Department full details, I am nevertheless sending text Macmillan’s message in following telegram.²)

Prime Minister said that Macmillan planned discuss proposals with Secretary in Paris next week.³ He supposed that in view Secretary’s trip to Denver⁴ and imminent departure for Europe he might not be able consider them personally before leaving Washington. He added that Butler was communicating directly with Black of International Bank.

Prime Minister concluded by saying he regarded proposals as of such major importance as a counter measure to Soviet penetration Middle East that if it were not for the President’s illness he would have sent a personal message to him to urge acceptance and support of them.

Aldrich

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 645W.74322/10–2055. Secret;Niact. Received at 6:58 p.m. Repeated to Cairo and Paris.
2. Infra.
3. Prior to the convening of the Geneva Meeting of Foreign Ministers on October 27,Dulles was in Rome and then in Paris, October 22–26.
4. According to Secretary Dulles’ Appointment Book, the Secretary visited the President in Denver on the morning of October 19. (Princeton University Library, Dulles Papers)