Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1955, Volume XIV

197. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Secretary of State and the British Ambassador (Makins), Department of State, Washington, August 18, 1955, 10:30 a.m.¹

Washington, August 18, 1955, 10:30 a.m.

(1) I asked the Ambassador whether he had received my letter about tanks for Iraq.² He said he had and had forwarded it to his Government with the statement that he assumed it would be satisfactory and asking for a reply. I said that it was in general agreeable to us that the British should handle this matter with the Iraqi, but I thought there should be a clear understanding as to precisely what would be said, and when it would be said, and to whom.

(2) I informed Ambassador Makins of the shift of position of Egypt with reference to the Johnston Plan³ and said in view of that we were having a meeting this afternoon to discuss the effect thereof, not only on Johnston’s trip, but also on the timing of Alpha. I said it might lead us to accelerate Alpha, but I would let him know as soon as a decision was reached.⁴

[Here follow discussion of unrelated matters.]

JFD

1. Source: Department of State,S/S–NEA Files: Lot 61 D 417, Alpha Volume 6. Top Secret; Alpha. Drafted by Dulles.
2. Document 191.
3. For further information concerning the Egyptians’ shift of position, see footnote 2,infra.
4. According to Secretary Dulles’ Appointment Book, a meeting concerning Alpha began at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon in Dulles’ office. Those present, besides the Secretary, were MacArthur,Murphy,Hare,Allen,Jernegan,Wilkins, and Russell. (Princeton University Library, Dulles Papers) According to an undated and uninitialed memorandum concerning this session, “Secretary decided to make the statement on August 26 instead of Sept. 29.” (Department of State,NEA Files: Lot 59 D 518, Alpha—Memos and corres., July 1–Aug. 26 (day of Secy’ speech) )