276. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
3341. Considerations such as those set forth Embtel 3154 taken into account by Department in planning possible next moves vis-à-vis GOE. We agree that bilateral US-Egyptian discussions should be moved to proper stage before GOE notified of our intention to take [Page 528] matter to SC. Before making final plans we wished have views UK and French Governments, as well as yourself, which have now been received.2 Next step should be meeting with Nasser at which you would endeavor obtain agreement on fundamental issues remaining unresolved, or, failing this, make a clear record of important differences which would provide suitable basis for moving into Security Council. (This latter intention of course would not be divulged to GOE.)
Immediately following telegram contains Department’s comments on your last reports on talks with GOE. Suggest these comments be used in your meeting with him. In addition, following points might be made in presentation:
- 1.
- At request GOE, US commented on Egyptian draft of March 26 with series of detailed suggestions designed (a) to create international engagement rather than unilateral statement of intention, (b) to provide effective implementation of six requirements adopted by SC with concurrence of Egypt, and (c) to arrange for organized cooperation between Egypt and user nations.
- 2.
- In talks held between AmEmbassy and GOE, latter has indicated acceptance of certain suggestions advanced by US, but on various important issues of substance no agreement yet reached, and apparently more than drafting involved.
- 3.
- In view of imminence of resumption of regular operation of Canal, US feels international agreement on arrangements is urgently necessary. We would hope Egypt able now to accept major substantive points presented by US so that Egyptian Declaration would in our opinion become more acceptable to user nations generally.
- 4.
- If issues of principle remain unresolved, discussions between Egypt and US (which does not purport to represent users) should not be allowed to drag out, and it would be necessary for US to consider what additional steps could helpfully be taken to promote an early Suez Canal settlement.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/4–857. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Rountree, Meeker, and Sisco; cleared by Jones, Dillon, and Herter; and approved by Shaw. Repeated to USUN.↩
- Earlier on April 8, Ambassador Alphand told Dillon that France favored the
continuation of bilateral negotiations between the United States
and Egypt, because it understood that progress had been made. If
the talks proved unsatisfactory, then France was determined to
take the matter to the Security Council. (Memorandum of
conversation by Shaw,
April 8; ibid.)
Also on April 8, Ambassador Caccia informed Dillon that Howe should have one more conversation with Nasser in pursuit of a satisfactory Egyptian declaration. But if it failed, the matter should be taken to the Security Council, and a resolution introduced that would seek procedural arrangements to give effect to the six principles adopted by the Security Council on October 13, 1956. Caccia also gave Dillon a British Embassy note discussing possible tactics in the Security Council. (Memorandum of conversation by Shaw, with attachment, April 8; ibid.)
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