362. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Sudan1
226. Recent reports indicate Egypt and Sudan nearing agreement on division Nile waters. Other reports state GOE may turn to Soviet bloc for assistance on Aswan Dam. Last Dec US–UK and IBRD offered assist Egypt in financing Dam.2 Egypt presented counterproposals in Feb which still under study.3 At present juncture US would have difficulty in responding favorably on Dam because, among other factors, precipitate Egyptian recognition Communist China and growing Congressional opposition.
Completion Egyptian-Soviet deal would give dangerous impetus to Soviet bloc penetration ME and project it into Africa… .
In Feb counter-proposals, GOE recognized necessity agreement with Sudan on division Nile waters before commencing construction Dam. Even if Dam commenced prior to agreement, it could not be carried far without Sudanese consent because resultant flooding Sudanese territory. Egypt would run dangerous risks in ignoring Sudanese objection because of up-stream location Sudan and Sudanese ability obstruct flow of Nile.
Under existing circumstances we believe most feasible way … may be induce riparian states call publicly for international agreement on unified development Nile Valley prior to commencement other major projects utilizing Nile waters. This could block separate Egyptian-Sudan agreement. Sudan and Ethiopia might be persuaded to call publicly for discussions including Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, British East African territories and Belgian Congo.
Sudan known to believe unified plan soundest hydrological approach to development of Nile and to hold strong reservations Aswan Dam in present form. Ethiopia has protested construction Dam without prior consultation. British East African territories also expressing concern. Thus riparian states might respond readily if they thought West would support general international agreement. Once call for conference made, it could receive full backing from US and UK.
Proposal solidly supported by legal arguments. Also technical information indicates unified integrated development preferable over individual project from hydrological and economic viewpoint. Proposal [Page 669] would have strong popular appeal in countries affected where importance water widely recognized.
Best means broaching matter requires careful consideration. Key appears to be Sudan. Prime Minister Azhari might take initiative ….
Addressees requested comment urgently on general concept and best tactics.4 London indicate probable British attitude.5 Addressees should not repeat not mention to govts at present under any circumstances.
This message exploratory only and should not be construed as Dept decision proceed along lines indicated.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 874.2614/5–2356. Top Secret. Drafted by Burdett, approved in substance by Dulles, and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Also sent to Addis Ababa, London, and Cairo.↩
- See telegram 1282, vol. XIV, p. 868.↩
- See Documents 121–123.↩
- See Documents 370 and 371.↩
- See Document 367.↩