Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE DECLASSIFIED WASHINGTON E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 November 5, 1951 By DEB NLT, Date 9-6-85 SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS EGYPT In a presentation of the views of the British Government with regard to the situation in Egypt, the British Embassy has informed the Department that the UK's long-range objective is to reach agreement with an Egyptian Government which would permit the maintenance of an operative base in Egypt for use by the Middle East Command (MEC). Since it would be extremely difficult for the present Egyptian Government to make a satisfactory agreement, the British believe the best hope lies in a change of, or changes in, the present Government. Although the UK believes it must maintain its posi- tion firmly and, whenever necessary, apply measures promptly and un- hesitatingly, it is fully conscious of the dangers involved in measures which would consolidate Egyptian public opinion behind the Egyptian Gov- ernment, and therefore wishes to avoid imposing economic sanctions or shutting off fuel supplies immediately. With regard to the fuel supply, the British Government has instructed its Commanders in Chief that the ban should be "partially relaxed", but, at the same time, has given them the authority to apply restrictions on petroleum products in consultation with the British Ambassador in Egypt and bearing in mind the UK's long- term policy objective and the fact that the UK does not desire major dis- locations in the Egyptian economy. The British have asked that the US instruct our Ambassador in Cairo to inform the Egyptian authorities that the Egyptian Government will bring upon itself great and unnecessary difficulties un- less the present intimidation and boycott measures cease. We assured the British that the US continues to support the UK position and said that our Ambassador would be instructed to make the approach. Meanwhile, we have informed our Ambassador in Cairo that the Department considers, and will so inform the UK, that it would be inappropriate and undesirable under present conditions to re- - gard the British troops in the Suez base as Middle East Command troops. These troops are in Egypt by virtue of the 1936 Treaty, and we strongly SECREI