Page 528 and I would propose in due course to submit the results of that study to the Cabinet. We should then be able to decide our policy in the light of any further developments in Egypt and the Middle East generally. I would, however, add the caution that our experience of the last two years suggests that the Egyptians are not so much interested in the form of their relationship with us or in finding suitable political cover for joint Anglo-Egyptian defence arrangements as they are in their immediate objective of getting rid of British troops from Egyptian soil irrespective of their own or Middle Eastern security.
5.
On 21st May we received an Aide Memoire setting out the United States Government views on the defence negotiations, These are to the effect that, whilst the Americans are disappointed by the Egyptian response, they hope that we and the Egyptians will be able to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement taling into account not only Egyptian national aspirations but the vital questions of security. The Americans are apprehensive lest a further decline in Anglo-Egyptian relations may prejudice their own new approach to the Middle Eastern problem. They consider it essential that our reply to Egypt should leave the door open for a continuance of negotiations. They suggest that consideration might be given to positive steps to create a more favourable atmosphere such as the resumption of shipments of token quantities of arms to Egypt, and they conclude by offering to consult with us at an early date informally on ways and means to achieve a solution of the problem. In general the tone of the American communication is such as to leave no doubt that while they con- tinue to support our position they are anxious that we should come to an agreement with Egypt and thus avoid any development of the tension already existing in the Near and Middle East.
6.
Meanwhile I would only ask my colleagues to agree that H.M. Ambassador in Cairo should be authorised to invite the Egyptian Govern- ment to discuss the future of the Sudan on the basis of the principles set forth in my memorandum C.P.(51) 131 of 10th May.
4
14
Foreign Office, S.W.1,
28TH MAY, 1951.
H.M.
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