ABSTRACT
The British tried to secure Egyptian agreement to the establishment of an Anglo-Egyptian defence board, whose task would be to supervise, maintain and develop those strategic airfields that would be required in war, strategic rail and road communications, naval base facilities, and an air defence system. But the Egyptians refused categorically to concede the British demand for 'joint defence in peacetime'. Notwithstanding persistent British efforts to explain to the Egyptians the seriousness of the Soviet threat to the Middle East, the latter were concerned more about the Israelis than the Soviets. Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin concluded that the maximum they could now get from the Egyptians would be permission to leave their base installations and materiel in Egyptian hands in peacetime. The British authorities in Egypt had already secured the agreement of the Egyptian government to supply the necessary materials and facilities. In effect, the Chiefs of Staff were willing to relinquish Egypt only if suitable alternatives could be found.
