CAB129-45 — Page 529

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Page 529

ANNEX I

PROPOSALS PUT BY H.M. AMBASSADOR IN CAIRO TO

EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT ON 11TH APRIL

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are prepared to resume negotiations for the revision of the 1936 Treaty of Alliance in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 of that Treaty.

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are aware of the Egyptian Government's great difficulties in the matter. They cannot however in view of their commitments to their other allies in the North Atlantic and in the Middle East, accept the responsibility of making any arrangements which prejudice their ability to contribute to a successful defence of this region against an aggressor. Such a defence will only be possible if in the future the Egypt base continues to function in such a manner as to be immediately available in war and if the air defence of Egypt is assured.

In these circumstances His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom propose that the 1936 Treaty of Alliance be revised so as to provide for the following:-

(a) The phased withdrawal of British troops from

Egypt beginning within one year of the conclusion of an agreement on Revision of the Treaty and ending in 1956. (It should be noted that rate of withdrawal of the combatant troops and of General Headquarters depends largely on the rate at which accommodation can be provided for them elsewhere.)

(3)

The progressive civilianisation of the base which it is suggested should be completed by 1956, essential British civilian personnel being introduced as military personnel are withdrawn. The base thereafter to be entrusted to the Egyptian Armed Forces for security purposes but to be operated in accordance with British military policy under the overall administrative control of an Anglo-Egyptian Control Board. (His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom would be prepared to pay rent for base installations and sites.)

(c) The creation of a long term Anglo-Egyptian co-ordinated air defence system in which there should be both Egyptian and British components.

(a)

The provision at an early date of arms and

equipment on training scale for the Egyptian forces and thereafter the provision of whatever further arms and equipment may be necessary in equal priority with other nations with whom

Great Britain has working defence agreements. (His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom would also be prepared to render Page 529 of 5y assistance required by Page 529ptfi587

Government in the training of Egyptian forces.)

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(e) Page 530 of 587

In the event of war, imminent menace of war or would agree to the return & British forces apprehended international pemensongy8gypt

for the period of emergency and would grant to them and to the forces of Britain's allies all necessary facilities and assistance including the use of Egyptian ports, aerodromes and means of communication.

11th April, 1951

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