U.S. Pleasure At Agreement

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27415, 30 July 1954, Page 11

U.S. Pleasure At Agreement

(Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, July 28. President Eisenhower said today that he was highly pleased that Britain and Egypt had resolved their dispute over the Suez Canal Zone. A short while after Mr Eisenhower had spoken, the Secretary of State (Mr Dulles) described the agreement as “a major step in the evolution of the relations” between the Middle East and the West. Mr Eisenhower told his weekly press conference that the agreement safeguarded Egypt’s national aspirations and the requirements of Western defence. It was evidence of patience and statesmanship on both sides. He hoped sincerely that Egypt could now go ahead with her friends in improving both her economic and security positions. In his statement. Mr Dulles said the agreement had laid a more permanent basis for Middle East tranquillity and security, and he applauded the decision of the Egyptian Government to make the Suez base available to Britain in case of an action of aggression in the area.

Reuters diplomatic correspondent says that official Washington quarters expect negotiations to start immedir ately to expand American assistance to Egypt.