Memorandum of Conversation with Secretary of State Dean Acheson and Averell Harriman

892 DEPARTMENT OF STATE 884 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 405 December 31, 1952 MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION git Participants: Mr. Harriman Mr. Acheson Secretary Achason telephoned Mr. Harriman. Mr. Acheson said that he had a letter addressed to Mr. Harriman asking Mr. Harriman to ask the President to have Egypt made eligible for grant military assistance. The JCS want to send between 5 and 10 million dollars of material for the Egyptian Army and it has been worked out with the JCS and representatives of Naguib. The Secretary said that there would be a great deal of pressure on Mr. Hariman and the President to have Israel brought into this. Mr. Harriman agreed that pressure was already on. Mr. Harriman said the Israelis were talking about two con- ditions: (1) that we won't give grant aid to Egypt unless we bring Israel into it; and (2) Egypt starts peace discussions. The Secretary said that those conditions are both impossible, as far as public announcements were concerned, and would defeat the aim of helping Naguib. If they were put on, it would be better not to offer aid at all. Mr. Harriman inquired as to how much 5 or 10 million would do, and the Secretary said that it gives Naguib something from us, something for internal security and prestige of the army--the continuing support of which he badly needs. We haven't been able to do much for him economically. Mr. Harriman inquired what the nature of the material was. The Secretary said that he did not know, but he could have that information developed for Mr. Harriman. Mr. Harriman said that if it is for internal security, that is different. ARCHIVES and 'MATIONAL AND RECORD$ SERVICE" DECLASSIFIED Mr. Acheson E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guideline, June 12, 1979 PROTETT By NLT- He NLT-22-13 NARS, Date 11-22-12 INFORMATION