State Department sources denied today that any figure was ever mentioned publicly or privately as to the possible contribution the US might make toward reopening the Suez Canal. The sources were commenting on a Beirut newspaper report yesterday that the US had offered Egypt $100 million to begin clearing the canal.
The Beirut newspaper. An Nahar, quoted President Gaafer al-Nimeiry of Sudan as saying that he was told of the offer by President Anwar Sadat of Egypt when they met last March 15, three months before Sadat ordered most Soviet personnel out of Egypt.
The State Department sources said the US always held the position that were an agreement worked out on the Suez reopening, the US would be prepared to help finance the work.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.