Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-04-24

A 0AAN SNCAl CAPCCt SUI
experience has shown that nett
force nor appeals to self-interest
have had substantial effect on
Egypt.
The Nasser government has
donned the binders of "sov-
ereignty and dignity" and II
cannot be induced to see what
lies beyond its nose. Insistence
on exercise of extreme sovereign
rights makes it impossible for
the regime to consider compro-
mise: and preoccupation with
fancied sights to its yearned-for
national dignity makes the Mas
ser group suspicious Of any out
side effort to solve Egypt's and
the Middle East's problems.
American. United Nations and
even some influential Asian and
Arab diplomats have tried to
modify Egypt's stand on a num-
Der Of issues. But none of these
people claim they have found
the way to first base.
Dark Outlook
So the diplomats are in gloomy
agreement that:
One. Egypt will continue to 20
its way on the issues Of Com
munism. Israel, the suez Canal
and oil.
And. two. the outlook for peace
in the Middle East is not good.
The United States will try to
get some small concessions out
of Egypt. But progress on major
American detectives in the Mid
die East viii be sought through
broader. area-wide diplomatic
ploys. Egypt. in many ways. viii
be left to stew in its own Juice.
Perhaps this will do no good.
But neither did other tactics.
Economic pressure apple
since naturalization of the Suez
Canal has been almost the maxi
m um possible. But Egypt's
economy and determination has
stood up. and there is nothing to
indicate there will be a collapse
in the next few months or even
years.
Threats Of military force were
used to no avail.
A three-pronged invasion did
not change the Egyptian course
Of action one bit: it only gave
the Egyptian dictatorship q more
favorable moral position.
Promises of aid - like the
Aswan high dam-did not In
fiuence the regime: and the
deliberately rough withdrawal of
the promise on the dam had no
more effect.
And some Of the most per-
suasive Of the worlds diplomats
have pointed out how Egypt
could benefit from closer CO.
operation with the Wests but the
Nasser group has smilinkly said.
mo. thanks"
What else can the "be firm
with Nasser" school SUGGEST?
In the absence Of any better
suggestions. these diplomats are
resigned to failure.
Main U. S. Detectives
What does the United States
want from Egypt?
The most important thing.
America wants is Egyptian help
in stopping the Red tide that is
flowing into the Middle East and
then the reversal of that tide.
AS a corollary. Uncle Sam wants
Egypt to help keep the Middle
East peaceful. as war and strife
have permitted the Russians to
make their biggest advances.
Peace means principally q per-
manent settlement with Israel.
Other major detectives for the
United States are the securing
OF the trade routes across Egypt,
so that Americas allies can be
assured Of the oil and goods they
need. and the economic develop
ment Of Egypt. so that that
country can remain strong and
independent.
There are also several more
specific and more immediate
things the United States wants
from Egypt; Adherence to the
1949 General Armistice Agree
ment with Israel: freedom of
navigation for all countries
through the canal and Gulf of
Aqaba: an end to border raids
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