641.74/10–2451: Telegram
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State 1
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565. Mytel 557, October 24.2 The King said he desired to talk first about cutting off of fuel oil by Brit commanding general. He narrated in great detail all the dire consequences, including eventually revolution, that would entail. I was able to tell him that shipments had recommenced this morning. He went on to criticize with some vehemence the activities in general of Brit military in Canal Zone. I apprehend that he has lost most of his friendly feeling for Brit. He said that they were making it impossible for him or any Egypt Govt ever to accept a satisfactory solution of either defense problem or Sudan question. He again lamented fact that proposals were put forward at so inopportune a moment. He indicated that we and only we would ever be in a position to help find reasonable solutions. He urged us not to do anything on our side to worsen the situation. He then said, “I shall tell you and you only a few secrets that even my govt do not know. First, they think that the Min FonAff will head the delegation at Paris3 but I have decided that he would do no good there and I shall send Fawzi Bey. Second, if Brit attempt remove my troops out of the Canal Zone I shall order them to resist to the last man. Third, I had a spy a night or two ago at an Ikwan mtg when oaths were taken to kill 13 men; I was first on the list and Nahas second.
He went on to say that he is extremely pessimistic about the way things are going: “It looks like we are headed for real trouble from which only the Commies would profit.”
I told him he should understand that Brit military authorities in Canal Zone are having a tough time and that they are justified in going even beyond the strictly necessary in order to defend their position; but I agreed they should do nothing provocative or uselessly irritating.
I reminded him how frivolously his govt handled our proposals and that their only endeavor was to have a domestic political triumph. He agreed.
I believe it is clear he would still like Egypt to take part in an Eastern Medit set-up but in face of inflamed and inflammatory sentiment and passions here he is not optimistic about near future.
- Repeated to London, to Paris for MacArthur, and to Ankara.↩
- Not printed; it read: “King has sent me word he desires to see me urgently today. I am flying to Alexandria.” (641.74/10–2451)↩
- Reference was to the forthcoming Sixth Session of the United Nations General Assembly which met at Paris between November 6, 1951, and February 5, 1952.↩