On 14 December 1957, Maurice Dejean, French Ambassador to Moscow, sends French Foreign Minister Christian Pineau a telegram in which he provides information about the Soviet presence in the Near and Middle East. The USSR has established strong positions in Egypt and Syria, where it is welcomed as the defender of the Arab cause. Maurice Dejean emphasises that the oil route, which is vital for Western Europe, may be cut off at any time. The USSR also seems to believe that it still has extensive possibilities in the Near and Middle East. There may begin to be more deliveries of Soviet weapons in the region than Western weapons, increasing the risk of incidents. It may be worthwhile implying to the USSR that the Western powers would not be opposed to talks if it appeared possible to reach agreement on the Near and Middle East. The Ambassador believes that one condition which is vital to contain the Soviet advance in the region is the pooling of all intelligence, experience and loyalties on the Western side.