Eden Weighs French Proposal for Joint Action
Anthony Eden discussed the French proposal for an Anglo-French response following an Israeli advance, while keeping the contacts closely restricted.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1956 in Great Britain — Page 4
Explore 627 historical events and records for Great Britain in 1956.
Historical records for Great Britain in 1956
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October
Lloyd Reviews British Commitment With Pineau
Selwyn Lloyd held further consultations with Christian Pineau as the governments sought agreement on the terms and timing of intervention.
Sevres Terms Reported to Eden
Lloyd reports the developing secret agreement with France and Israel to Eden.
British Envoy Negotiates Canal Withdrawal Terms
Patrick Dean helped finalize the demand that both belligerents withdraw their troops away from the canal to create space for proposed Anglo-French occupation.
British Jordan Alliance Contingency Clarified
Patrick Dean recorded a clause stating that Britain would not assist Jordan if Jordan attacked Israel during the planned operations against Egypt.
Foreign Secretary Handles Secret Sevres Outcome
Selwyn Lloyd was involved in discussions connected to the agreement that would precede the Israeli attack and Anglo French ultimatum.
Patrick Dean Signs British Protocol Copy
Patrick Dean signed the agreed record for Britain after the final discussions, replacing Selwyn Lloyd as the British representative at the signing.
Protocol of Sevres
Signs the secret Protocol of Sevres for Britain with Israeli and French representatives
Secret Protocol Signed for Britain
Dean signs the written Sevres protocol setting the sequence for Israeli attack and Anglo-French intervention.
Secret Sevres Plan Anticipates Intervention Demand
Anthony Eden's government participated in a secret arrangement under which an Israeli attack would be followed by Anglo French demands for separation.
Sevres Collusion
Secretly agrees with France and Israel on the sequence leading to intervention in Egypt
Sevres Protocol Copy
Returns from Sevres with the British copy of the secret protocol
Suez Collusion
Britain, France and Israel secretly agree the sequence of Israeli invasion, ultimatum and Anglo-French intervention
Twelve Hour Response Period Included
Patrick Dean signed a protocol providing that refusal or failure to respond within twelve hours could trigger Anglo-French intervention.
British Leadership Faces Protocol Documentation Question
Anthony Eden's circle considered the sensitivity of the written Sèvres arrangements, which could expose prior coordination with Israel if disclosed.
Sevres Arrangement Approved
Eden approves implementation of the secret arrangement reached with France and Israel.
Chancellor Supports Firm Policy Amid Economic Anxiety
Harold Macmillan initially supported a strong government approach to Egypt despite the currency risks facing Britain.
British Foreign Office Prepares Canal Warning
Selwyn Lloyd's department prepared diplomatic communications demanding that the armies fighting in Sinai move away from the canal area.
British Ministers Review Egyptian Intervention Plans
Anthony Eden's government prepared to invoke a threat to canal navigation following the Israeli invasion of Sinai, setting the stage for Anglo-French action.
Cabinet Confronts Sudden Israeli Invasion
The start of Israel's Sinai campaign made the Prime Minister's planned Anglo French intervention an immediate question for the government.
Israeli Invasion
Uses Israel's invasion of Sinai as the trigger for the planned Anglo-French ultimatum
Sinai Invasion Intensifies Sterling Exposure
Harold Macmillan confronted the financial risks associated with an expanding military crisis as Israeli forces entered Sinai.
Allied Command Designates Port Said Main Objective
Charles Keightley's staff adjusted plans to seize the northern entrance to the Suez Canal through airborne and amphibious operations.
Anglo French Ultimatum Delivered to Egypt
Selwyn Lloyd defended an ultimatum demanding a halt to fighting and the withdrawal of Egyptian and Israeli troops from the canal zone, with allied occupation of key positions proposed.
Anglo-French Ultimatum
Issues an Anglo-French ultimatum to Egypt and Israel after Israel's invasion of Sinai
Anglo-French Ultimatum
Presents the ultimatum demanding withdrawal from the canal zone and acceptance of Anglo-French occupation
British Diplomacy Opposes Immediate Withdrawal Motion
Britain opposed Security Council steps that conflicted with its declared intention to place forces in the canal area after the ultimatum.
British Foreign Secretary Transmits Canal Demands
Selwyn Lloyd advanced the joint ultimatum requiring both sides to halt the fighting and accept Anglo French positions near the canal.
Cabinet Commits to Ultimatum Course
Anthony Eden's government issued its ultimatum demanding withdrawal from the canal approaches and acceptance of Anglo French intervention.
Canal Traffic Faces War Risk After Israeli Attack
Britain's ultimatum followed the Israeli invasion, creating a military emergency that endangered shipping through the canal.
El Gamil Selected for Airborne Landing
Charles Keightley's command incorporated El Gamil airfield west of Port Said into the revised airborne plan for Operation Musketeer.
Lord Chancellor Defends Government Legal Position
David Kilmuir was among the senior ministers confronting legal objections to British use of force following the ultimatum.
Military Intervention Eclipses Canal Association Strategy
Anthony Eden shifted to an Anglo-French ultimatum after the Israeli invasion, overtaking the unresolved diplomatic plan for a voluntary users association.
Operation Musketeer Revise
Prepares to execute the revised Anglo-French operation centred on Port Said
Prearranged Ultimatum Activates Sevres Sequence
Anthony Eden's government issued its ultimatum after the Israeli attack began, following the sequence laid out in the secret protocol.
Prime Minister Presents Ultimatum to Parliament
Anthony Eden announced the Anglo French demands for an end to hostilities and withdrawal of Egyptian and Israeli forces from the canal vicinity.
Revised Musketeer Assault Plan Approved
Charles Keightley's headquarters refined plans to seize the Port Said area through airborne and seaborne attacks instead of launching a broad campaign across Egypt.
Sterling Confidence Weakens with War Risk
Britain's financial position deteriorated as speculation about military intervention and American disapproval increased uncertainty in currency markets.
Suez Canal
Israel accepts the Anglo-French ultimatum to withdraw 10 miles from Suez. Egypt turns down the Anglo-French ultimatum for a cease-fire
Time Limit Set for Ultimatum Acceptance
The Anglo French warning gave the parties a short deadline to accept its conditions before the two European governments took military action.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.