Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1955, Volume XIV

332. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

Washington,October 10, 1955—7:33 p.m.

1942. Tel Aviv’s 340.² British Embassy here has approached Dept suggesting rejection Sharett offer (Deptel 1676 to London³) but acceptance variant whereby Ambassadors would visit Jerusalem when specifically instructed to do so while Sharett would come to Tel Aviv when he wished transact business with Ambassadors personally.

Dept continues feel best way out of dilemma is acceptance Sharett offer for following reasons:

1. If Western powers accept Israel offer, believe our chances holding Israelis to their own promise better than attempting impose variant on them which they will almost certainly resist.

2. As for Arab reaction, believe subtleties involved in differences between acceptance Sharett offer and pursuance course outlined in British variant would be lost on Arabs. Arabs in any event will object to any arrangement whereby Ambassadors physically appear in Jerusalem, vide their reaction to presentation credentials there.

3. Dept notes French support acceptance Sharett offer (Paris’ 1456⁴).

4. British point out that if US changes policy other interested govts such as Belgians, Italians, Swiss, Yugoslavs, Australians and Canadians would have to be informed. Our view is that UK-US-French Ambassadors Tel Aviv could inform friendly colleagues and seek support, once we three agreed on acceptance proposals. Evidence available appears indicate smaller missions in Israel would welcome more flexible arrangement.⁵

Murphy

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 601.0084A/10–1055. Drafted by Bergus and approved by Allen, who signed for Murphy. Repeated to Tel Aviv and Paris.
2. Dated October 7, it reported a conversation with the British Ambassador concerning the problem of where to meet with the Foreign Minister once the new Israeli Government was formed. (Ibid., 601.0084/10–755) Negotiations were still in progress for a new government headed by Ben Gurion.
3. Document 307.
4. See footnote 4, Document 307.
5. The Embassy in London informed the Department it had conveyed the contents of this message to the British Foreign Office, which was looking into the matter and would provide a reply as soon as possible. (Telegram 1442 from London, October 11; Department of State, Central Files, 601.0084A/10–1155)