Britain: Egyptians Rejected Soviets as ‘Sole Advisor’

British Prime Minister Edward Heath and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in London on December 12, 1973 (Getty Images)
British Prime Minister Edward Heath and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in London on December 12, 1973 (Getty Images)
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Britain: Egyptians Rejected Soviets as ‘Sole Advisor’

British Prime Minister Edward Heath and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in London on December 12, 1973 (Getty Images)
British Prime Minister Edward Heath and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in London on December 12, 1973 (Getty Images)

The recent declassification of historical British government records, dating from the period following the “October War,” has provided insight into the communication between the conservative government of that era and the US administration as they grappled with the consequences of the conflict.

These documents indicate that former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger reached an “informal understanding” with the Soviet Union to “restrain” the supply of weapons being sent to the warring parties.

While Kissinger’s initial focus was on achieving a ceasefire, the British noted that both the Americans and the Soviets had not considered who would oversee the enforcement of the ceasefire, particularly on the Egyptian front, where the situation was “highly complex.”

While secret proceedings primarily addressed the ceasefire and peace conference efforts, which were not favored by Kissinger, a significant portion of them revolved around the Arab oil embargo on Western nations following the October War in 1973 .

This development prompted the British to begin preparations for imposing fuel rationing, as revealed in the documents.

The documents also unveil that the then conservative government expressed concerns about a pro-Israel lobby in the British media.

They perceived that supporters of Israel in the UK were portraying its stance on the Middle East conflict incorrectly by depicting it as succumbing to Arab pressures.

Notably, during Edward Heath’s government in power during the October War, it was observed that unquestioning endorsement of Israel’s perspective without criticism did not serve the interests of either the UK or Britain’s economy.

There was a belief that public support for Israel as a “victim” in the eyes of the Arab world would diminish if British economic interests suffered due to its policies.

On Tuesday, October 23, 1973, Heath’s government held a meeting at 10 Downing Street that addressed aspects of the Arab-Israeli war.

The classified meeting minutes revealed that the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, informed his colleagues that he had “met with the US Secretary of State the previous evening when Kissinger had stopped in London on his way back to Washington after visiting Moscow and Tel Aviv.”

It was evident from discussions between the Russians and the Americans that while they were focused on achieving a ceasefire, they had not given much thought to who would oversee it.

In the event of a ceasefire being achieved on the Syrian front, it was deemed that there wouldn't be significant operational difficulties in maintaining it, given the interconnected Israeli control in the Golan Heights.

On the southern front, however, the situation was extremely complex, as Egyptian forces east of the Suez Canal had lost their supply lines from the west.

Therefore, a ceasefire there was considered inherently fragile.

The British Foreign Secretary advised Kissinger to arrange with the then Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kurt Waldheim, to strengthen the UN’s ceasefire monitoring mechanism and deploy it immediately to oversee the ceasefire and assist in dealing with on-ground challenges.

The minutes also report that Foreign Secretary Douglas-Home stated in the meeting that preliminary reports on discussions that took place in Cairo the previous day (on November 7) between President Sadat and Kissinger indicate that they agreed to pursue arrangements whereby the way would be opened for the Egyptian Third Army under the supervision of UN observers, a prisoner exchange would occur, and within 10 to 15 days, a peace conference would commence.

Kissinger’s then advisor relayed these proposals to Israel.

The intention was for the peace conference to involve Waldheim, the conflicting parties, the US, and the Soviet Union.

According to the minutes report, it was learned that the Egyptians prefer a somewhat broader conference, as they do not wish for the Soviet Union to be their sole advisor.

 

 



Israeli-Iranian Conflict Alarms Residents of Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)
A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)
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Israeli-Iranian Conflict Alarms Residents of Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)
A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)

As the Israeli-Iranian conflict intensifies, many Lebanese, particularly in Hezbollah strongholds such as South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, are bracing for the worst.

The possibility of Hezbollah’s involvement in the war has heightened fears of a broader escalation that could drag Lebanon into the conflict once again.

In Beirut’s southern suburb of Hayy al-Sellom, 44-year-old Hassan has already packed a bag, as have his siblings. He says they are waiting for the moment they might have to leave, hoping war doesn’t reach their doorstep.

Similarly, Abir, a resident of Burj al-Barajneh, says her family spends most of their time following the news. With an elderly and sick mother at home, she is worried about how they would evacuate if needed and has already begun looking for a temporary alternative place to stay.

The atmosphere in the southern suburbs is tense but quiet. Commercial activity has dropped noticeably, with shop owners reporting a decline in sales of fresh goods. Many families have already relocated to safer areas in the Bekaa and South Lebanon, especially after the school year ended.

Amina, a homemaker in her forties who lives near the airport road, is one of them. She plans to move to her village with her daughter while her husband remains in Beirut for work. She worries about the possibility of an Israeli strike near her home, which has already been targeted multiple times since the last ceasefire in November. Even without open war, she fears a sudden strike might occur nearby.

Still, not everyone is ready to leave. Kawthar, 30, says her family will stay put unless evacuation becomes absolutely necessary. She notes that in view of her limited financial means, moving isn’t a viable option. Despite the stress and constant presence of Israeli drones overhead, they are trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Outside Beirut, the fear is just as real. Mustafa, 77, from Bint Jbeil, says the South has been under near-daily fire, and any new war would only worsen an already fragile situation. He fears Hezbollah could be drawn into battle under Iranian pressure, especially if the US becomes involved.

In the Bekaa, residents like Hussein from Hermel echo similar concerns. Having homes in both Hermel and the southern suburbs - areas frequently targeted - he asks the question on everyone’s mind: Where would we go this time?