Half a century on, the ghosts of Suez return

Fifty years since Suez, and this week the cauldron boils over yet again. Some of the ingredients are different. Britain and France used force in a way they would not now dare. The United States in 1956 had the power to stop the crisis which it has now lost. Most Arabs today accept the existence of Israel, but fail to impose that acceptance on those still bent on its destruction. Israel still tries to safeguard its citizens by using overwhelming force which breeds hatred and future danger. Suez was a dramatic setback for Britain; but this week we can look back almost with relief at how quickly that crisis was controlled.

Fifty years ago on 26 July 1956 the prime minister was entertaining the young King of Iraq to dinner in Downing Street. Four Cabinet ministers, the leader of the Opposition, much of the British establishment and the subtle prime minister of Iraq, Nuri Said, were all present. Just after ten in the evening Anthony Eden’s private secretary told him that President Nasser of Egypt had announced to a huge crowd the nationalisation of the Suez Canal.

The formal dinner broke up into a series of informal gatherings in different rooms. Other ministers and the chiefs of staff were summoned in white tie or lounge suits from different locations across London. As happens at sudden consultations after dinner the mood was robust. It was felt that Nasser had his finger on Britain’s windpipe and would not hesitate to throttle us to death. Even the leader of the Opposition, Hugh Gaitskell, thought that public opinion would support quick strong action. Nuri Said pressed the same view, adding that on no account must Britain act in collusion with Israel.

That summer evening Anthony Eden’s career, though still brilliant, was over the crest and heading downhill.