Office of the Historian

115. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Department of State1

London, August 22, 1956—5 p.m.

Dulte 21. For Hoover. Will decide later today on composition of small negotiating group to approach Nasser on basis of five nation statement put forward yesterday’s meeting.

There is much pressure here to have US and me personally serve on this group. While I have reached no decision on this am considering possibility of serving at initial meeting London to fix committee procedure and then be replaced by deputy. Re identity of latter am thinking of Phleger, Murphy, Henderson or Rountree. Would like your views re these and any other names you wish to suggest.

Menzies, in view his position head of government and my temporary participation only, would probably serve as negotiating group chairman.2

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2256. Secret; Niact. Received at 1:03 p.m.↩
  2. Later that day the Department of State forwarded to Secretary Dulles a message from Hoover which had been transmitted over the White House phone from San Francisco. The message reads: “This afternoon I had opportunity to show Dulte 21 to the President. I said that all things considered I thought Phleger would be the best choice on the negotiating group. The President fully concurred. Menzies would seem to be a most excellent choice as Chairman of the group.” (Tedul 23 to London, August 22; ibid., 974.7301/8–2256)↩