740.0011 EW 1939/31966: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
2109. Department’s 1748, November 16, 2 p.m.1 Secret for the Secretary.
As brief notices appeared in the local press regarding the closing of the Mena House I made inquiries on the matter and was assured [Page 96] that no more such references would appear. Furthermore, I have been given to understand by United States Army Headquarters that censorship stop is now in force. I have this morning told Casey of the conten …2 and he states that as he has received word from London in a similar sense he is investigating the question and will inform me of the results.
In this general connection I refer to our conversation while in Cairo and must say that given the original selection of an area of this nature and the preparations which the British have made to meet the requirements, speculation, at least among the local public, could scarcely be avoided. I have expressed my doubts on this score to our special agents who have been here for some days3 but they do not appear to be disturbed.