224. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State1

165. In view of crucial struggle between Ben Gurion and Sharett going on within Mapai Party (Embassy telegram 1422), it now appears that tripartite formula for dealing with Foreign Minister (Department telegram 873) might prove unfavorable to very ends for which we strive.

The reason given by the French and British Governments for the formula, that is, the West should not give Ben Gurion what is denied Sharett may be entirely fallacious. As I visualize the possible formation of the new government Sharett would have great difficulty in justifying his conduct of business with Ambassadors in Tel Aviv, particularly if there is no reciprocity. This would tend to concentrate in Ben Gurion’s hands all important foreign policy matters, leaving Sharett to explain as best he can through the press and through his missions abroad the military and other actions taken by Israel. This seems clearly indicative of Sharett’s basically weak and extremely difficult position if he should accept portfolio of Foreign Minister. Furthermore, recent history has clearly demonstrated that his basic attitudes are much more conducive to making progress on area matters than are the impetuous decisions of Ben Gurion. …

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The British Ambassador remarked to me last night that he was very disturbed about this proposed tripartite formula and had encountered the same reaction from smaller missions as have we; namely, that formula will prevent them from effectively performing their duties, although there was willingness on their part to try to follow the formula. I understand that he has so informed his government.

Lawson
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 601.0084/8–2655. Confidential. Received at 11:37 p.m. Repeated to London, Paris, and Rome.
  2. Not printed. (Ibid., 784A.00/8–2355) The Sharett Cabinet had resigned on August 15, just before the newly-elected Knesset convened. President Itzhak Ben Zvi invited Ben Gurion to form a new government, and on August 17, the Knesset adjourned for 2 months to facilitate his efforts. In the interim, the Sharett Cabinet was serving in a caretaker capacity.
  3. Document 186.