Suez Canal - 20 November 1956

Suez Canal - 20 November 1956

D.E. 

What line do we take on "collusion"?

R.A.B. 

Nil to add to what S.Ll. said in H/C. on 31/10.  P.M. wd. be opposed to any Cttee. or formal enquiry.

I.M. 

Cd. we not say more in defence?  The "evidence" is pretty shoddy.  Cd. we not say : of course we knew of I.'s intentions & took precautions accordingly.  But no prior agreement, no promises of territorial changes, no incitement to I. to attack.

R.A.B.

Cd. consider that on S.Ll.'s return - but not earlier.  Want to avoid further statements in H/C. on Suez until then - Thurs. or Friday.

R.A.B.

Read reply wh. P.M. proposes to send to Bulganin's note of 15/x.(?)
      Approved.

Taken from C.M. 85(56) - Meeting held on 20 November 1956.