American foreknowledge did not make Nasser an American asset

British and French officers gave American officials official and unofficial warning of Anglo-French planning. Nasser's contacts with CIA and KGB officers did not make him an asset of either service; he used both relationships to pursue Egyptian and personal political interests. One interpretation is that Washington expected advantages from either outcome. An Egyptian Army coup might produce a government more amenable to the West, while brokering or enforcing peace might improve relations with Nasser.