780.5/10–2452: Telegram
No. 102
The Ambassador in Turkey (McGhee) to the Department of State1
543. In course conversation Oct 23 (Embtel 542 Oct 242 to Dept rptd London 55 Cairo 9) FonMin stated he was able advise me in strictest confidence of results recent talk between Turk Amb Cairo and Gen Naguib. Latter had specifically requested this conversation be kept secret and Turks proposed tell only Brits and US. Conversation resulted from instructions to Turk Amb on Oct 9 to obtain personal reaction Naguib to Egyptian participation MEDO. Specified this should not appear be official approach or in behalf other powers but made appear spontaneous.
First conversation was with Egyptian FonMin who stated in his judgment it would not be possible for Egypt to become member MEDO as long as Canal Zone occupied by Brits. Egyptian FonMin then suggested Amb ask Naguib personally what his own views were and arranged rendezvous.
Ambs report this conversation Oct 16 states that Naguib said in his opinion it was in Egypt’s interest enter organization such as MEDO but this not possible until Canal Zone evacuated. He made number of complaints against Brit Egyptian policy, including fact Egypt helped UK during war but received nothing as result; Brit owed Egypt 300 million pounds unpaid; recently deblocked five million pounds in manner which appeared place UK in light performing generous act. Notwithstanding this, however, Naguib strongly favored reaching understanding with Brits and will try to do so. He is however not hopeful. Commented he was not so foolish as Wafd to fight Brits, but could not agree to any course other than evacuation canal.
When Turk Amb attempted present advantages Egypt membership in MEDO, Naguib said he thought there would also be disadvantages. If Egypt joined, other Arab states would follow suit. If later MEDO did not prove satisfactory Egypt could withdraw, but other countries, particularly Syria and Iraq, who do not have great differences with UK, might find MEDO to their advantage and stay in. Egypt would then be left isolated.
Naguib stated Arabs ready assume obligation defend their own soil if provided with arms. Canal Zone must be defended by Egypt. Turk Amb pointed out Egypt not able defend canal, which important [Page 305] not only to Egypt but for defense of entire ME. He argued it unwise reserve defense of ME to local troops alone, but reliance must be placed upon outside help. Naguib responded UK to blame for Egyptian lack preparedness since UK thinks Egypt would use against UK and Israel any arms which might be provided. Naguib assured Amb he is not foolish enough to fight powerful country such as UK nor to fight Israel, but is trying to develop good relations with all countries.
Naguib summarized position by saying that until Canal Zone evacuated Egyptians had better stay by themselves. Amb commented that Russians may not let them stay by themselves and cited danger that Russian paratroopers could seize Canal Zone. Naguib replied simply that UK must resolve present dilemma and that he hoped they would choose right course. He agreed however to study question of participation in MEDO and to discuss matter further with Amb within 2–3 weeks.
Turk FonMin, in advising me of foregoing, said that question evacuation Brit troops not discussed in London nor has he discussed it with Brit Amb Ankara. Churchill did in London mtgs make some passing comment in offhand way that if Egyptians continued to be as difficult as they had in past he would move his troops to Cyprus. FonMin emphasized this could not be taken as considered judgment.