406. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia1
713. In your forthcoming audience with King we desire you discuss question US relations with Egypt along following lines:
We have consistently made clear to Egyptian authorities that we desire see exist a basis for fruitful and mutually advantageous relations between US and Egypt. We have also made clear that what has stood in way of establishment such relations has been apparent belief of GOE that Soviet Union and international Communism represent no threat to security and integrity of Egypt and NE and that Egypt can [Page 806] with impunity establish close relations with USSR. We have also left no doubt in minds GOE that other principal obstacle to establishment better relations with US is GOE policy, while professing neutrality, of attacking and seeking to undermine sovereignty of other governments in area which do not choose to adopt Egyptian policies. We have told Egyptians that it seems to us what is necessary is basic change in attitude and atmosphere in Cairo.
Ahmed Hussein Egyptian Ambassador in Washington has exhibited serious personal concern over need for improvement in relations between US and Egypt. Since his return to Cairo we understand Hussein has urged upon Nasser need for improved US-Egyptian relations. He has reported to Nasser his conversations with us and the observations we have made on the obstacles in way of improved US-Egyptian relations. Hussein has reported to US Embassy in Cairo that he has not been discouraged by Nasser from continuing his efforts. We have received from GOE other indications which could be interpreted as overtures.
In spirit of close collaboration and mutual confidence which happily exists between US and SA, we desire discuss with His Majesty problem of our relations with Egypt at present time. We have made clear to GOE our hope that it will see its way to modify the policies which prevent better relations with US and our belief that action on individual secondary issues, such as matter of blocked funds, will not solve central problem. At same time we are faced with indications, such as initiative of Ambassador Hussein, that GOE making overtures toward us. We are aware that Nasser’s motive in so doing may be to seek to establish his leadership in the Arab world. At same time we believe we should not totally exclude possibility that Nasser may genuinely feel that he has become too deeply involved with USSR and may desire to reorient his policies in the direction of true neutrality. If latter should be the case it would perhaps be unwise for us not to encourage this trend.
We are proceeding with great care in this matter particularly since we have received no concrete indication that GOE is prepared to modify the policies which have impeded cordial relations between the US and Egypt. In considering what steps we should take in connection with Egyptian overtures, we would be most grateful for His Majesty’s appraisal of the current position and motives of GOE and his counsel to us.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.74/11–2057. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Rockwell and approved by Dulles. Repeated to Dhahran and Cairo. The telegram was sent as a result of Rountree’s memorandum to Dulles, Document 392.↩