Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVII, Near East, 1961–1962

266. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic⁰

Washington, May 5, 1962, 4:17 p.m.

1258. Dept understands Kaissouni has returned Cairo (without stopping Bonn or Rome) and will presumably be reporting to Nasser on results US visit. Shortly after he makes such report suggest you, at your discretion, seek interview with Nasser for general resume of understandings reached (Depcirtel 1848)¹ and for purpose of insuring against any possible ambiguity in problems remaining to be resolved.

You might wish first emphasize that although we have agreed make favorable recommendations friendly third countries regarding possible participation in IMF stabilization program, principal burden this respect will, of course, be borne by UARG itself. Thus it will wish re-inforce to maximum extent possible foreign governments’ feelings confidence particularly with regard UARG’s determination treat equitably those seeking settlement outstanding compensation claims.

You should stress to Nasser we gratified with way our relations progressing and look forward continued improvement, barring unforeseen incidents. US press, including some newspapers formerly hostile to UAR, have received news of proposed US aid program generally with favor and Cairo press reacting in similar fashion. We hope relatively favorable public relations climate can be maintained and if possible improved upon. Much depends upon care and patience in dealing with irritants which inevitably will arise.

You might additionally express pleasure at more full and frank expressions of views which are taking place between US and UAR officials at all levels, noting present understandings are proof that by such dialogue mutual problems generally become more tractable.

In conclusion you may wish stress need to guard against over-optimism as regards rapidity with which progress can be achieved. Many of problems we face in both political and economic fields are highly complex and unwieldy of solution.

Re US attitude toward current developments in Syria see no reason you raise matter. However, should it come up in course discussion you might say we have, of course, scrupulously avoided any efforts influence recent internal developments in Syria and rumors re our activities there totally baseless. Re Arab unity we prepared, as Nasser knows, accept whatever Arab peoples and governments of own free will decide so long as consistent with peace and welfare of region as whole.²

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 886B.10/5–562. Confidential. Drafted by Barrow and Thacher, cleared by Strong in substance and by Williams (AID) in draft, and approved by Cottam. Repeated to London, Paris, Bonn, Rome, Tokyo, and Brussels.
1. See footnote 2, Document 256.
2. Ambassador Badeau executed these instructions during a meeting with Nasser on May 20. (Telegram 1678 from Cairo, May 20; Department of State, Central Files, 611.86B/5–2062) The source text is unsigned.