740.0011 European War 1939/3442: Telegram
The Chargé in Egypt (Hare) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:45 p.m.]
87. I am informed by Levy, New York Times correspondent, that he has just learned from a high Government source that the British Government yesterday asked the Egyptian Government what position it would assume in the event of an attack by Italy on France and a consequent declaration of war on Italy by Great Britain.
Despite strong pressure by the Embassy and British military authorities here the Prime Minister invited attention to the fact that the Anglo-Egyptian treaty5 did not call for a declaration of war by Egypt under the conditions outlined and that, although Egypt intended fully to carry out its specified treaty obligations, it could not without the consent of Parliament as provided by the constitution join Great Britain in declaring war on Italy unless the latter took the offensive against Egypt. The Prime Minister added that he would be prepared to present that matter to Parliament but he doubted if it could agree to the British proposal in view of general fear of war in the country.
Whether by taking such a position Egypt could actually avoid involvement in hostilities for any considerable length of time seems highly problematical due to the country’s being a British naval military and air base and thus an obvious object of Italian attack.
[Page 468]Should the Department perceive no objection Levy would appreciate foregoing being brought to the attention of Krock5a for the information of the New York Times but not for publication.