392. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
907. Geneva for Secretary. Talk with Fawzi last night ranged considerably beyond purpose my visit which was to support recent border suggestions by SYG and General Burns.2 End result was that Fawzi volunteered he wished talk to me about possible terms, and tactics of approach thereto, of Arab-Israeli settlement. He stated he so involved this week with Arab Foreign Ministers and visit of Pearson of Canada that our discussion should wait until early next week.
Department will recall that Nasser told me (Embtel 865 November 23) on first conversation following my return from Geneva that he ready to discuss terms of possible settlement at any time.
Although opportunities have presented themselves, have felt should not carry subject further in view of injunction placed upon me to restrict my talks here to generalities pending further instructions. (Reference Geneva’s number 11, repeated Department SECTO 85.4)
Although am not hopeful as to any immediate outcome, can see from here no harm in trying without delay ascertain whether Egypt willing to talk seriously about terms of settlement and as to how matter might be approached. On other hand may well be harmful to fail to respond Egyptian proposal. Do not feel in need of detailed instructions as old Alpha plan good enough basis to start except as regards Negev.
This point would hope could have considerable latitude to explore minimum Egyptian demand without any commitment our part whatsoever, as of course would be the case on all aspects of problem.
Would hope for answer this message at latest by coming weekend.
New subject: If it Department’s intention that we make really serious effort on Arab-Israeli settlement, timing blame for what [Page 725] Turkey attempts to do in Arab world, would seem essential that there be more understanding between us as to objectives and priorities thereto. As example, would think they should know our desire avoid new frictions until further effort is made obtain settlement.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–955. Top Secret; Priority; Alpha. Received at 11:21 a.m. Repeated to Geneva.↩
- Telegram 918 to Cairo, November 5, also sent to Tel Aviv, instructed Byroade and Lawson to concert with their British and French colleagues for this purpose. (Ibid., 674.84A/11–555)↩
- Printed as Document 379.↩
- Dulles instructed Byroade on October 30 in telegram 11 to refrain from speaking in specific terms to Nasser about an Arab-Israeli settlement because “our thinking is still in process of evolution.” (Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/10–3055)↩