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

366. Telegram From the Department of State to the Secretary of State, at Geneva¹

Washington,October 29, 1955—5:33 p.m.

Tedul 30. Eyes only Secretary from Acting Secretary.

1. Dean Rusk called at my office and we discussed project envisioned in Tedul 12² and Dulte 11.³

2. While Rusk was most interested and obviously desired to be helpful he pointed out the following problems:

a. Important meeting of Rockefeller Foundation covering all aspects of foreign operations planned for early December. He unable devote much if any time to project until conclusion of meeting. I advised him that while we had no firm time schedule now in mind, it probable that action would be desirable before that date.

b. He stated that while Israelis would probably have confidence in him, Arabs might not. The reason was that in past negotiations each time he made firm proposal to Arabs former Administration pulled rug out from under him.

c. He has already been informally approached by both Arabs and Israelis for informal conversations in New York. I suggested he proceed, keeping us advised of developments, which he promised to do.

3. In discussing above developments with Allen Dulles this morning, he suggested George Brownell as substitute in event Rusk unable to accept responsibility. While I do not know Brownell personally, all reports would indicate he might be quite satisfactory. I will take no action pending advice from you.⁴

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/10–2955. Secret. Drafted, approved, and signed by Hoover.
2. On October 25 in Tedul 12Hoover suggested to the Secretary that he,Hoover, approach Arthur Dean, “looking toward possibility that he undertake mission to Arab States and Israel which would include talks with Nasser on subjects discussed your statement of August 26 and question of High Aswan Dam.” (Ibid., 684A.86/10–2555)
3. Dulles replied in Dulte 11 from Paris, October 26, that while he believed Dean was “best qualified for this particular mission”, he really preferred Dean Rusk for the task, as Rusk was “persona grata with both Israelis and Arabs. Fact that he served under Democratic Administration is further asset in this situation which calls for bipartisanship.” (Ibid., Conference Files: Lot 60 D 627,CF 621)
4. Hoover cabled Dulles on November 1 that he and Allen Dulles doubted Rusk would accept the assignment. (Tedul 44 to Geneva;ibid., Central Files, 684A.86/ 11–155)Hoover further informed Dulles on November 5 that Rusk had declined the invitation, and that Humphrey had suggested Robert Anderson.Hoover telephoned Anderson that day “and put it up to him on tentative basis. I believe he will accept if formally asked. He expects to be in Washington next Tuesday [November 8] and if you think well of it I will talk with him more definitely.Allen Dulles agrees with me that Anderson is probably the most ideal person available.” (Tedul 59 to Geneva;ibid.)