A New India
Chapter 203 - 203: London Conference - III

Prime Minister Rohan looked at everyone and stood up, raising his hand to call for silence. "Gentlemen, we're going around in circles. There's no trust here. Egypt has no intention of closing the canal to global trade, yet every suggestion that respects Egypt's control is dismissed. Perhaps the time has come for a compromise, a compromise in the form of an international body. I propose we establish a Suez Canal Users Association."

The room hushed, delegates exchanging looks of surprise.

Eden raised an eyebrow, while Dulles looked skeptical, and Gromyko leaned back, watching the room with narrowed eyes.

Rohan continued, "The association would guarantee passage for all countries, yet recognize Egypt's right to manage the canal. Egypt's sovereignty wouldn't be infringed, but the canal's operations would remain transparent. Member nations could monitor traffic to ensure consistent access. We avoid dictating to Egypt while maintaining accountability."

Eden's face hardened. "And tell me, Prime Minister Rohan, how exactly does this body enforce any standard of control? What stops Nasser from using that very 'sovereignty' to squeeze us out or manipulate tolls to fund his ambitions?"

Rohan met Eden's gaze squarely. "If Britain truly believes in fair trade and global access, then an international association should seem a reasonable solution. Or is it only acceptable if Britain holds the reins?"

The French Foreign Minister, Christian Pineau, cut in, his tone dismissive. "You're speaking as if Egypt is just another country looking to join the club. We're dealing with a leader who's already aligning himself with Moscow. Are we to put such a critical waterway into the hands of a man who could pivot to the Soviet Union at any moment?"

Hassan slammed his fist onto the table. "Enough of this fear-mongering! We've heard the same slander from Britain and France since the start. Egypt has the right to its own canal, and we won't be lectured by the very powers who exploited it for decades!"

Gromyko folded his arms, interjecting with a sardonic smile, "It seems to me that a users' association would indeed provide some measure of balance. Of course, assuming all members are respected equally, which Britain and France seem incapable of accepting."

Dulles leaned forward, his voice cold. "Let's be clear, Gromyko. We know exactly what kind of 'balance' the Soviet Union seeks. The association idea could work, but not if it's another tool for spreading influence through Soviet alliances."

"Ah, Mr. Dulles," Gromyko replied, his voice a mockery of politeness, "isn't it the Americans who built bases and signed alliances wherever they wanted in the name of 'freedom'? Don't tell me you suddenly care about 'sovereignty' more than your own interests."

Eden looked tired, turning back to Rohan. "How do you propose this Users' Association would operate, then? Who manages it, and how do we ensure Egypt doesn't manipulate its rules?"

Rohan remained calm. "Egypt would retain operational control, but with an oversight committee formed by canal-using nations. The goal is stability, Mr. Eden, not a return to imperial practices."

Prince Faisal, nodded. "Such an association could be the middle ground we're all seeking. Egypt's rights would be respected, and assurances could be given to canal users. But we must also trust that Egypt's intentions are honorable."

Ben-Gurion shook his head, his voice tense. "With all due respect, Egypt's ambitions don't end with sovereignty. Nasser has spoken openly about his visions for Arab unity, and Israel is well aware of the threat that poses."

Hassan eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Israel is concerned about a 'threat'? How ironic, considering Israel's actions across Palestine."

Ben-Gurion rose, his fists clenched. "Our concerns are legitimate, Hassan. Nasser's ambitions extend far beyond Egypt. He's courting every Arab nation, stirring up anger against my country, and making his intentions clear. Don't pretend this is just about the canal."

An uproar ensued, with representatives from Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria yelling over each other in response to Ben-Gurion's statement.

Prince Faisal raised his voice, saying, "Israel's issues are not for us to solve here. This is about Egypt and the canal."

Dulles interjected, raising his voice above the clamor. "If we don't have assurances that this canal will stay neutral, we'll face this crisis again and again. We need enforceable rules, not vague commitments."

Rohan took a deep breath, then responded, "So let's agree on enforceable terms within the Users' Association. Egypt remains the owner, but any changes in tolls or management require a consensus of the association members. This protects all interests."

The Australian delegate, stepping in for the first time, looked hesitant but spoke. "That… sounds reasonable. It would at least ensure no single party could wield control without accountability. Isn't that what we all want here?"

Eden's voice rose, his frustration evident. "Accountability to whom? Egypt is hardly going to hold itself accountable if it decides to make unilateral decisions. This Users' Association sounds like a backdoor for Nasser's dominance."

Hassan patience finally snapped. "This is absurd! Egypt has a right to its resources! If accountability matters so much, where was it when the canal was controlled by foreign shareholders, who drained our revenues with no regard for our nation?"

The Indonesian delegate, feeling the tension, leaned forward and tried to mediate. "Surely, there's a middle ground here. Perhaps the Users' Association could implement neutral safeguards, some kind of binding framework that reassures everyone."

Eden scoffed, "Neutrality? Neutrality is impossible when the people running the show are handpicked by Nasser!"

Gromyko leaned forward, his tone amused. "It sounds like the British are simply unaccustomed to playing a role where they're not in charge. Perhaps if the tables were turned, Mr. Eden, you would find your principles more flexible."

Eden's face flushed, and he replied, his voice raised, "Russia has no place here! Don't lecture us on principles, Gromyko. We know exactly what Soviet influence means for Europe, and we're not about to watch it spread here!"

The chaos in the room grew as multiple delegates began shouting over each other.

Prince Faisal raised his voice. "We're getting nowhere with accusations. The Users' Association could work if we trust it to function without bias."

The Canadian delegate, Pearson, nodded. "Perhaps a rotating leadership structure within the association could address these concerns, one where all members, including Egypt, hold equal responsibility."

Dulles threw up his hands, clearly frustrated. "A rotating structure? That's wishful thinking. This is too critical to leave to idealistic notions of fairness."

Rohan remained calm. "Perhaps idealism is the only way forward when realism means nothing but entrenched power. We can't keep claiming we're looking out for the 'greater good' while ignoring the sovereignty of the countries we claim to protect."

Eden clenched his fists. "We're talking about more than Egypt here. We're talking about global stability. The rest of you may ignore that, but Britain cannot."