Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

MLTCHaval A:de/331 Lice DECLASSIFIED OFFICE OF E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 THE SECRETARY OF STATE State Dept. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 WASHINGTON By DEB NLT, Date 9-9-85 February 25, 1952 TQP SECRET SEGURITY INFORMA TION SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS EGYPT Embassy London has been informed by the British Foreign Office that Stevenson has been sent further instructions for open- ing negotiations with Egypt. These instructions have Cabinet approval and request that Stevenson discuss with Maher: 1) how and when negotiations can best be opened, 2) the clearing of an agenda, and 3) the issuance of a joint communique. Moreover, Stevenson has been provided with background guidance as to the kind of agreement the UK would consider acceptable. This guidance has Cabinet clearance. In regard to defense matters the UK is at present only prepared to agree to the withdrawal of British forces not assigned to the Middle East Command in any agreement with Egypt. Em- bassy London states in strict confidence, however, that the Foreign Office is willing to concede, if necessary, complete evacuation of all but adminis- - trative and technical personnel, although this proposal does not have Cabinet approval. With regard to the Sudan the UK cannot recognize Farouk's title as "King of Sudan" until there has been an opportunity for the Sudanese to be consulted. The UK believes effective consultation cannot take place until the Sudanese have a representative parliament for which elections are planned this summer. However, the British hope the Egyptians will instruct their followers to make themselves heard during the electoral campaign and would have no objection if the Egyptian Government should discuss future Egyptian- Sudanese relations with the Sudanese. Ambassador Caffery in commenting on the British position states that what the Maher Government has been waiting for is a British offer for a "package deal", namely that the British offer to recognize the Egyptian title to the Sudan on condition that Egypt agree to satisfactory defense pro- posals. He warns that to the Egyptians any conversations or communications on any other basis will be unacceptable. Meanwhile, Secretary Acheson has reported a conversation with Eden in which he was very much encouraged by Eden's "open minded approach to the method of solving the problem". Eden fully realizes that the present Egyptian Government cannot accept the same conditions and pro- - posals refused by the preceding government without incurring serious political risks. Eden has suggested on a purely personal basis to Acheson the TOP SECRET SECURITY INF ORMA TION