Consequences of a heart attack TL

[abc123]

Death of Nasser

Death of president Nasser stunned the world. It was broadcasted by Radio Cairo on evening that day that "... our great leader president Nasser was sneakly assasinated by imperialistic opressors...".
Egyptians were full of sorrow and anger on Britons and the French, but were also full of respect for the might of Britain. Arabs in whole Middle east feeled the same. They were praising his courage for goeing so close to first lines of battle, but were also aware that his policy of confrontation with the Britain and France was not wise, as proved by his death.

In the world, reactions were, as expected, different. Some, as Moscow, Yugoslavia and other socialist countries denounced killing as "act of state terror". Americans were angry and condemned the attack as "act that will not help to establish peace in Egypt", but were aware that death of Nasser is just the last nail in Egypt's coffin in this war.

Britain, France and Israel on the other hand, said that as Commander in Chief of Egyptian Armed Forces Nasser was legitimate target and that the world will be better place without dictator as Nasser.

In meanwhile, in Egypt, after death of Nasser, general Amer decided to release general Naguib ( former president ) from his house arrest and invited him to lead Egypt in transitional period as head of Provisional Government.

New Provisional Government decided that not only members of former Revolutionary Council will be members of Government, but that also leaders of other important political options should be represented too. So they invited several politicians from former Wafd party to become members in Government. Members of banned Muslim Brotherhood were not invited alltrough some of members of Government have oposed that by stressing that in times of crisis all parties must be assembled. But the majority was against.

Provisional Government decided that she will lead Egypt only until the war is over and after that there will be elections for Constituent Assembley that will make new Constitution.

So, the most pressing task for the new Government was to decide what to do about the war. After long discussion Government decided to ask for a ceasefire. Some members were for continuation of the war, but after general Amer said that Egyptian Air Force is practicly nonexistant ( as death of president Nasser showed ) and that their Army has very low morale, president Naguib decided that Egypt needs peace to recover from wounds. So, in November 13 Egypt contacted Swiss Embassy in Cairo and asked them to convey to Governments of United Kingdom, France and Israel that Egypt want's a ceasefire and diplomatic solution of the conflict.

Egypt also asked United Nations to act as mediator in solving this conflict.

 

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Negotiations

Peace negotiations will be held in United Nations Building in New York. The chief mediator will be the Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold. Leader of Egyptian delegation was president Naguib personally. Israeli delegation was led by Foreign Minister Golda Meir, French delegation was led by their Minister of Foreign Affairs Christian Pineau while British delegation was led by Prime Minister Eden personally.

It was clear from the beginning that Egypt is in inferior position. But president Naguib was confident that he could get pretty good terms for Egypt because the pressure of world opinion against United Kingdom and France. On the other hand, Britain and France were pretty pleased by current situation, especially after death of Nasser. So, it was necessary to find a good compromise that could end the conflict so that all sides be, as much as possible, happy with the deal.

 

[abc123]

New York Treaty

After few days of negotiations final version of peace agreement was made:

1.
There will be peace between Arab Republic of Egypt on one side and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of France and State of Israel on another side as a result of conflist that began in October 29th with Israeli attack on Egypt.

2.
United Kingdom, France and Israel will remove their military forces from territory of Egypt in next 90 days.

3.
United Kingdom and France recognise nationalisation of Suez Canal Company made by Egypt.

4.
Egypt recognises that said nationalisation had violated provisions of Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1954.

5.
Egypt recognises the right of all countries, including Israel, for unimpeded pass of their ships trough Canal in all times.

6.
Egypt agrees that because of damage made to British and French interests in Suez Canal Company merchant and military ships under the flag of United Kingdom will have free of charge pass trough Canal for next 25 years and merchant and military ships under flag of France will have free of charge pass trough Canal for next 20 years. After aformentioned period of time ships from these countries will also have to pay for pass, but under same prices as ships of all other nations.

7.
Egypt agrees that no military forces of Egypt will be stationed in zone 10 miles wide on both sides of Suez Canal, Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Aqaba and Egyptian border with Israel. Only presence of Egyptian police and border security forces is allowed there, but members of that forces can not be armed with weapons that have caliber more than 12,7 mm. This zone will be known as Zone 1.

8.
Egypt agrees that additional zone wide 10 miles from both sides of Suez Canal, Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba will be established. Egypt cna have their military forces in that zone, but they can not be armed with weapons that have caliber larger than 30 mm or with any kind of missiles. This zone will be known as Zone 2.

9.
Egypt recognises that merchant and military ships under flag of Israel have the right of unimpeded transit trough Gulf od Aqaba until international waters in the Red Sea. Island of Tiran will also belong to Zone 1.

10.
Egypt will clear the Suez Canal for normal traffic not less than 30 days after forces of Israel, France and United Kingdom are withdrawn from territory of Egypt.

11.
Egypt recognises the right of civilian and military aircrafts registred in United Kingdom and France to have unimpeded transit trough a corridor 5 miles wide from each side of Suez Canal.

12.
United Nations Monitoring Force ( UNMF ) will be established and tasked with control of area of Zone 1 and Zone 2 so that provisions of this Agreement are respected. Headquarters of UNMF will be in Port Said and soldiers of UNMF will have unimpeded acess to Zone 1 and Zone 2.

13.
Number of soldiers of UNMF will not exceed 8000. Egypt, United Kingdom, France and Israel retain the right to object if they think that soldiers from some country will not be impartial in fulfilling their duty. In case of dispute, Security Council of United Nations will resolve the dispute.

14.
All four countries agree that their future disputes will be solved peacefully.

15.
All prisoners of war will be exchanged not later than 30 days after this Agreement comes into force.

16.
Nothing in this Agreement can't be used as a evidence that Arab Republic of Egypt recognises State of Israel.

 

[The Oncoming Storm]

That's probably the best outcome for all sides, if the British had tried to keep posession of the Canal they would have faced an Aden style insurgency and eventually they would have had to leave. Despite Nasser's death there will still be plenty of Arab Nationalists who will be smarting at Egypt's humiliation and will be looking to strike back at Anglo-French and Israeli interests in the region.

There will certainly be a radically different Middle East today.

 

[abc123]

That's probably the best outcome for all sides, if the British had tried to keep posession of the Canal they would have faced an Aden style insurgency and eventually they would have had to leave. Despite Nasser's death there will still be plenty of Arab Nationalists who will be smarting at Egypt's humiliation and will be looking to strike back at Anglo-French and Israeli interests in the region.

There will certainly be a radically different Middle East today.

I agree. Egypt has a lot of problems ahead, but I would like to see Egypt as first democratic country in Arab world. Maybe Naguib would be better president than Nasser. But, since MB is still banned, there will be a lot of problems in future...

Israel of course asked for limiting of number of Egyptian soldiers in Sinai, but Egypt asked for demilitarised zone on Israeli side too, to under pressure of UK and France that wanted out as soonest as possible this deal is made.

Also, some other things were left unresolved ( as Egyptian stance that UK/FRA have made a agression on Egypt and their stance that they were just protecting the Canal etc. ) but such questions were too hard nut to crack.

 

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A map of the New York Agreement:

Red line is border of Zone 1
Green line is border of Zone 2

( I know that the map could be better but it is the best that I could made it )

 

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Peacekeeping

After signing of New York Agreement on November 23rd few days after United Nations Security Council met. They issued UNSC Resolution 119 where they operationalised the New York Agreement.
United Nations Monitoring Force was formed. It was decided that only forces of non-Security Council Permanent Members can be employed. So, after little negotiating next countries offered their forces for UNMF: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Dennmark, Sweden, Norway, Brasil, Colombia, Yugoslavia, Indonesia, Poland, India and Finland.

UNMF will be headquartered in Port Said. It will be organised in several battalions:

Finnish Batt. ( with Norvegians ) ( Port Said area )
Indian Batt. ( Ismailia area )
Yugoslavian Batt. ( with Indonesians ) ( Port Suez area )
Australian Batt. ( with NZ ) ( western shore of Gulf of Suez )
Swedish Batt. ( with Denmark ) ( eastern shore of Golf of Suez )
Brazilian Batt. ( with Colombians ) ( shore of Gulf of Aqaba )
Canadian Batt. ( with Poles ) ( Israeli- Egyptian border area )


First Commander of UNMF will be Canadian- general Eedson "Tommy" Burns.

Deployment of forces in the area will begin 30 days after passing of Resolution and it will be ended after end of withdrawing tripartite forces from Egypt.

Yugoslavian soldiers in UNMF

 

[abc123]

No Jamaica

After ending the war, Anthony Eden planned to go on vacation in Jamaica to rest for a few weeks. But as oil rationing was introduced his advisors convinced him that it would attract a lot of bad publicity if Prime Minister ( who is fault for rationing ) goes on expencive ( Bristol Brittania of BOAC was to be rented for his transport to Jamaica and back ) vacation far away and showes unsensitivity for problems of small man. Eden really had health problems, but was able to see that there's sence in what they saying to him. So he decided to retire in Chequers for a week or so. After all, it wasnt necessary for him to give those Labour troublemakers any more ammunition than they had allready. They caused more than enough headache for him.

 

[Karogas]

As an ardent Britain i find myself horrified that this somehow slipped through my all seeing eyes for so long

Interesting TL so far, do expect some kind of American backlash in the next couple of updates,

If your in need of a Beta reader and some help with the language I'll be more than happy to lend my meager skills

 

[abc123]

As an ardent Britain i find myself horrified that this somehow slipped through my all seeing eyes for so long

Interesting TL so far, do expect some kind of American backlash in the next couple of updates,

If your in need of a Beta reader and some help with the language I'll be more than happy to lend my meager skills

Thanks for kind words. Stay with this TL.

Well, about the language, thanks for the help, I'm aware that it isn't quite Queen's English but for now it is good enough. The main thing is that evreybody understands what I'm trying to say. Fine tunning will be left for v.2.0. Or 1.5

 

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Reserves

After vacation and feeling little better after seeing that slowly public opinion shifts to his side, Prime Minister Eden returned to Downing Street. Because of oil rationing, something had to be done to show the public that Government is doeing something about the situation.

That was the reason that Government has sent Oil Reserves Act in Parliament. The Act provided that in future oil companies in United Kingdom must have reserves of oil big enough for 60 days of consumption. Act also created National Oil Reserve Company that would in the name of Government organise storage of additional oil, so that Britain will in not more than 3 years have oil reserves enough for 4 months of consumption.

Such measure, alltrough not quits useful now, will at least assure public that there won't be no more rationing in the future.
There was no major opposition to the law so it passed in Parliament with large majority of votes for.

Prime Minister also informed the Parliament that he will soon go in Paris to meet with his French counterpart "a number of issues that are of interest for both countries".

 

[abc123]

Matignon Talks

Hotel Matignon, Paris

Anthony Eden was met in Hotel Matignon, the official residence of Prime Minister of France by his French colleague Guy Mollet as close friend and ally. After public reception two Prime Ministers decided to continue talks alone.

GM: Monsiour Prime Minister, I'm happy that I can welcome you in France. I hope that you travelled good?

AE: Yes Guy, the travel was short and I thank you for your invitation. We have a lot of common interest that we have to discuss.
I'm happy that we have sucessfuly ended that Egyptian affair.

GM: Indeed Anthony. It only shows the strength of our two countries when acting together. Even Americans could not stop us.

AE: Indeed. I must say that I haven't expected such reaction from them.

GM: Niether do I. But that shows us that their interests are inherently different than ours. They want the whold world for themselves.

AE: Or, if not only for themselves, they are ready to share it with Russians. But that leaves no place for others. In their eyes we are but a humble vassals that have to listen what master say's because they have saved us in two world wars.

GM: Indeed Anthony. We must somehow show them that we are strong, much stronger than they are thinking.
That's the reason why I have a proposal for you.

AE: Yes?

GM: My proposal is that our two countries unite in a union.

AE: A union?

GM: Yes, Anthony, common foreign affaires, defence, Parliament, government, that's the best way to show our determination to remain great powers.

AE: Common Parliament? Hmm, I don't think that something like that could work Guy. Our two countries are too different. We are kingdom, you are a republic.

GM: Never mind Anthony. We are ready to accept even that your Queen becomes head of Union.

AE: Well Guy, I must say that I'm stunned.
But I don't think that such proposal could work. I'm pretty certain that I could not push something like that trough Cabinet, not to mention the Parliament. And sincerely, I doubt that you could do the same thing here.

GM: Well, I admitt that something like that gives our opposition perfect weapon for campaigning against us. "Return of monarchy and even a foreign Queen" and such nonsences...

AE: Nonsences or not Guy, but we have to be aware of mood of the public. And frankly, we are not quite two most popular Prime Ministers in the world today. This little war with Egypt and oil rationing have done a lot of damage to our political capital.

GM: I have seen your descision to introduce strategic oil reserves for your country. Very wise descision. My Government prepares similar bill. But, if you don't think that my proposal of union isn't viable, than what do you propose to do? After all, it is clear that we can't continue like this, the Americans are behaving like this for a reason, because evrey of us is much weaker than they are. They have even Canada on their side.

AE: I agree that we have to done something. But this is my proposal.
Our problems are numerous: political, military and economical. So let's try to find solution for each of them.
About political problems, I propose that our two countries conclude Agreement of Special Relations. We would agree there that our Governments would meet frequently and discuss matters of common interest. That we will support one another in foreign policy matters as we have done recently in UN. That we will consult ourselves about foreign policy.
About economical problems, I see there two problems: first is that our industry is too developed just for our home market and our colonial markets are shrinking evrey day with independence of colonies. We allready have lost India, Burma, Ghana, rest of Africa will follow soon. Dominions are inclining to the United States, especially Canada.
Same thing is with you.

GM: That's right. That's the reason why we initiated European Economical Community. But you refused to join us.

AE: Now I see that it was the mistake. We meant to have role of intermediarry between Europe and United States, we were thinking that our "special relationship" with Americans and our Empire will be enough. But as we all see, there's no special relationship and Empire is smaller evrey day.

GM: So, now you wan't to join?

AE: Well, I'm not sure that I can have enough support for outright joining now, but some sort of cooperation would be nice thing. Basicly, EEC is agreement on abolishing customs duties trough next 12 years. We would like to become a member, but that our economy get's larger adjustment period, say 20 years? Also, we would like to have free trade agreement with our remaining colonies, mostly with Australia and New Zealand. Also, common agricultural policy is a problem for us because of fishing, especially in North Sea, but also in Channell too.

GM: So, you would want a special status. You are repeating your mistake Anthony, you allready tried that before, and now you see where that had led you. You must decide weather you are in Europe or not.

AE: I was under impression that you are for our entry in EEC.

GM: Indeed I am. But I'm jst saying things that someother countries in EEC could say, Germans or Italians per example.

AE: You are right, of course, but our entry into EEC would have positive consequences for all members. After all, where would you be if we didn't help you with our oil? Do you think that Germans or Italians would do that for you? Don't you see that they are only American puppets?

GM: Yes, I know that. We will have to discuss that with our partners in EEC, but I must say that I will support your membership and your conditions as strongest as I can.
Strong EEC is our common interest.

AE: I'm sure in your support Guy. That's why I brought you a small gift.

GM: Yes?

AE: During this crisis, Soviets have threatned France with nuclear weapons. We have extended protection of our nuclear weapons on you. Now I would like to offer you cooperation on nuclear weapons production for France. We know for your secret nuclear program. We support France in effort to get nuclear weapons. So, why wouldn't we cooperate? So that your scientist don't have to reinvent the wheel. it would also be smart if we cooperate in joint development of certain weapons. It is better to share the cost.

GM: That's excellent Anthony. So, how do you envisage that?

AE: Well, first step would be selling, or better to say leasing some of our nuclear weapons to France until you don't make your own. And second step would be our substantial help in your efforts to obtain knowledge about the nuclear weapons and joint development of future nuclear weapons.
You know that future lies in thermonuclear weapons. I can tell you that we have plans to detonate our first thermonuclear bomb next year, somewhere in May or June. So, you could get acess to those weapons too. But what we want in return: we all know that future of delivery of nuclear weapons lies in missiles. And we have some projects allready under way. But, we need money. So, if you would accept to take half of the costs, you could save many years of researches and tests and have not only the bomb, but missiles for their delivery too after our research is over. Do you accept?

GM: Anthony, I must say that I'm touched by your generousity. You are indeed a big friend of France. Of course that I accept. And I have to say that I will do more than possible to ensure that your conditions for joining EEC would be accepted.
By the way, are you sure that you can convince your parliament to accept EEC, even under these conditions?

AE: I'm pretty certain that I can. Also, in my opinion

GM: So, when could we get our first nuclear weapon?

AE: I'm not sure yet, but of course, all of this should be put into paper and ratified in parliaments of both countries. EEC agreement should also be signed with UK there as member. But after that, I don't see any problems...
Do you agree with that monsieur Mollet?

GM: Of course Anthony. I'm delighted. I will have to put that on a vote in my Cabinet but I'm convinced that it will pass easily. I trust that you have support of your Cabinet for this?

AE: In fact, I will have to put this matter on a vote too, but I'm confident in sucess. It could maybe be hard to sell EEC to Labour ( maybe you cold influence on them ) but even they will appreciate membership in 170 millions strong market. As strong as USA if UK joins. After all, this is not market of some undeveloped countries in Africa or Asia where they have no money for British products.

GM: Excellent. Now Anthony, would you care for a glass of champaigne to celebrate this Agreement?

 

[abc123]

No comments? Nobody?

Just to inform you that I'm here again, after allmost 48 hours of blackout ( no electricity, because of shitload of snow ), so I hope that I could publish a update tonight.
Now I'm goeing to clean the snow.

 

[Karogas]

If there worried about an American dominated Germany and parts of Europe why not head the Commonwealth route

 

[abc123]

If there worried about an American dominated Germany and parts of Europe why not head the Commonwealth route

Basicly because Commonwealth is also troubled, Canadians are there, also Australians and NZ are not entirely confident, so maybe is better to leave Commonwealth as it is, and cooperate with individual countries.

 

[Karogas]

so a sort of French British Union in foreign policy and then building there own web from there?

 

[abc123]

so a sort of French British Union in foreign policy and then building there own web from there?

Thats right.

 

[lukedalton]

Basicly because Commonwealth is also troubled, Canadians are there, also Australians and NZ are not entirely confident, so maybe is better to leave Commonwealth as it is, and cooperate with individual countries.

If UK and France will go for an Europe route well the German question will arise, after all the war is still fresh and big decision on the future of Germany (economically, politically and military) must be done. In OTL the EEC and the Franco-German axis was the basis for the reintegration of West Germany in the european concert, here a different route must be found, probably the European Defense Community idea will be see the light as was intendend as a mean to safely rearm the Germans.
This can bring Bonn to be more 'independent' from Washington, honestly the British jab about West Germany be an 'american puppet' is a little ipocrital as till that moment everybody was really happy with that and even worked for this objective (but politician are very famous for their short term memory).
Italy can be really bring on the idea of a more independent Europe, as the italian left leaderships while presenting a monolithic front in public and praise the ungarian intervention, in reality is thorn by a internal debate that in OTL Togliatti succesfully contained and won, so mantaining the PCI leaderships of the left and continue to be the mounthpiece of Moscow in Italy, the forming of an more independent position (from USA and URSS) can be really appealing for the moderate

 

[Shaby]

No comments? Nobody?

Just to inform you that I'm here again, after allmost 48 hours of blackout ( no electricity, because of shitload of snow ), so I hope that I could publish a update tonight.
Now I'm goeing to clean the snow.

Well this is getting interesting. You made a plausible break between US and UK. At least to me it sounds plausible. I guess American reluctance (if I read correctly) to back up Europe in the face of Soviet nuclear threats will have deeper consequences in the future.

I guess the reason for lack of comments is that people were commenting on the Mussolini invades blah blah.

 

[abc123]

Well this is getting interesting. You made a plausible break between US and UK. At least to me it sounds plausible. I guess American reluctance (if I read correctly) to back up Europe in the face of Soviet nuclear threats will have deeper consequences in the future.

I guess the reason for lack of comments is that people were commenting on the Mussolini invades blah blah.

Americans were indeed ready to support Europe, but these day's it may have not looked that way...
And the perception is a bitch.
Because many other countries will also ask: Are we willing to be American vassals to have their protection? And is that better than Eastern Europe situation?