Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

740.5/11–2651: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Department of State ¹

secret

Rome, November 26, 1951—10 p. m.

Secto 87. Secretary lunched today with Eden, Butler and Lord De L’Isle and Dudley. Present from US were Lovett and Snyder. Secretary raised question of stoppage of oil in Egypt.² Eden showed Secretary cables received from Erskine which made two main points. First point is desire of Brit to keep Egyptian Govt anxious re troop situation. Second point was that troops were under strain and needed rest from inspection duties. Also mentioned were fact that bodies Brit soldiers being dragged from Sweet Water Canal and temper of troops rising. Cables made strong point that Brit cld not remain passive in situation. Oil shut-off results from desire not to remain passive. Secretary took strong position and said that it was clear from these telegrams that fundamental question was not military one. He said object was obviously to keep govt upset and plausible excuse found in difficulty of troops there.

Eden said he had had matter put to him and had agreed to action of Brit Govt. Secretary said Eden was clearly yielding on political matter because of mil pressure. US Govt and his own Amb in Egypt had considered course which Brit followed unproductive.

Secretary said US Govt wld stand firm with Brit on action to protect integrity of Canal Zone but that we cld not stand with them on this action. Secretary told Eden he was wholly wrong and was undermining solidarity of United States and Brit relations in regard this problem. Secretary said in long run Brit must have passive acceptance of Egyptian Govt. Eden asked what US expected of him. Secretary replied that we wanted reversal of Brit decision.

Acheson

1. Repeated to London and Cairo.
2. In telegram 2426, niact, to Acheson at Rome, November 25, Acting Secretary Webb stated in part that in light of telegram 754 from Cairo (p. 424), “it wld be helpful Secty mention Eden our gen concern re poss consequences Brit mil exerting pressure against Egypt pop as thru cat and mouse game with oil supplies.” A British display of restraint, Webb added, might possibly be “more devastating” to Egyptian political leaders than provocative acts. (641.74/11–2551) In telegram 2315, niact, from Rome of November 25, Ambassador Dunn informed Webb that Acheson was considering speaking to Eden “and stating our concern re Brit Cabinet decision to shut off fuel oil.” (641.74/11–2551)