Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XIX, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1967
Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1967: Document List
Document 1: President's Daily Brief
Washington, May 15, 1967.
[Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. 1 page of source text not declassified.]
Document 2: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 15, 1967, 1920Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 32–1 ISR–SYR. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated Priority to Amman and to Baghdad, Damascus, Jidda, Beirut, Kuwait, Dhahran, London, USUN, CINCSTRIKE, CINCMEAFSA, Jerusalem, Aden, and Sanaa. Received at 5:14 p.m. Passed to the White House and USIA at 5:40 p.m.
Document 3: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts
Washington, May 15, 1967, 9:04 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 32–1 ISR–SYR. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Atherton, cleared in draft by Davies, and approved by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Eugene V. Rostow. Sent Priority to Tel Aviv, Cairo, Amman, Baghdad, Damascus, Jidda, Beirut, Kuwait, Dhahran, London, USUN, Paris, Jerusalem, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, and Moscow.
Document 4: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 15, 1967, 7:15 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VI. Confidential.
Document 5: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, May 16, 1967, 0834Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 32–1 ISR–SYR. Confidential; Priority. Repeated Immediate to Amman and to USUN, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, Damascus, and Tel Aviv.
Document 6: Editorial Note
Document 7: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 17, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I. Secret.
Document 8: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, May 17, 1967, 7 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate. Drafted and approved by Rusk; cleared by Battle; and cleared with changes by Walt Rostow.
Document 9: President's Daily Brief
Washington, May 18, 1967.
[Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. 1 page of source text not declassified.]
Document 10: Information Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (Popper) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, May 17, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Popper on May 17. The memorandum was evidently sent to Rusk on May 18.
Document 11: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, May 19, 1967, 0149Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–4 PAL/UN. Confidential. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Moscow, London, and Paris. Received on May 18 at 10:43 p.m.
Document 12: Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State
Amman, May 18, 1967, 1505Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 32–1 ISR–JORDAN. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Repeated to Baghdad, Cairo, Jerusalem, USUN, CINCSTRIKE, Jidda, Beirut, Damascus, London, and Tel Aviv. Received at 3:23 p.m.
Document 13: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 18, 1967, 1630Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Received at 4:30 p.m. Walt Rostow sent a copy to the President with a May 19 8:30 a.m. covering memorandum. Johnson wrote on the memorandum: “Get meeting set up.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VII)
Document 14: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 18, 1967, 1720Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Nodis.
Document 15: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts
Washington, May 18, 1967, 10:01 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Drafted by Atherton and cleared by Eugene Rostow. Sent to Tel Aviv, Cairo, Amman, Baghdad, Damascus, Jidda, Beirut, Kuwait, Dhahran, London, USUN, Paris, Jerusalem, Moscow, and CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA.
Document 16: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts
Washington, May 18, 1967, 9:39 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 32–1 ISR–SYR. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Atherton; cleared in draft by Popper, in substance by Director of the Office of Inter-African Affairs Fred Hadsel, and by Under Secretary Rostow; and approved by Davies. Sent to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Jidda, Kuwait, Algiers, Khartoum, Rabat, Tripoli, and Tunis and repeated to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Damascus, London, Paris, and Moscow.
Document 17: President's Daily Brief
Washington, May 19, 1967.
[Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. 1 page of source text not declassified.]
Document 18: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 19, 1967, 1430Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 2:23 p.m.
Document 19: Information Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (Popper) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, May 19, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Popper.
Document 20: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 19, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Israeli Aid. Secret.
Document 21: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 19, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I. Secret.
Document 22: Editorial Note
Document 23: Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Hoopes) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, May 19, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East 092. Confidential. A copy was sent to Department of Defense General Counsel Paul C. Warnke on June 9.
Document 24: President's Daily Brief
Washington, May 20, 1967.
[Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. 1 page of source text not declassified.]
Document 25: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, May 20, 1967, 7:17 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Davies, cleared by Popper, and approved by Under Secretary Rostow. Also sent priority to Cairo, Moscow, and USUN.
Document 26: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, May 20, 1967, 2149Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Cairo and Tel Aviv. Received at 7:33 p.m.
Document 27: Telegram From the Embassy in Syria to the Department of State
Damascus, May 20, 1967, 1330Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Priority. Repeated Priority to Amman and to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Jerusalem, London, Jidda, Moscow, Paris, Tel Aviv, CINCSTRIKE, DIA, and Aleppo. Received at 12:56 p.m. Advance copies were sent to the White House, USIA, CIA, DOD, and NSA at 1:45 p.m.
Document 28: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, May 21, 1967, 0900Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, London, Tel Aviv, and USUN. Received at 6:18 a.m. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, and NSA at 6:45 a.m.
Document 29: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
Washington, May 21, 1967, 9:49 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow and his Staff Assistant Robert T. Grey, Jr., and approved by Eugene Rostow. Also sent to Paris and repeated to USUN, Tel Aviv, Cairo, and Damascus.
Document 30: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, May 21, 1967, 9:02 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Atherton; cleared by Battle, Eugene Rostow, and Walt Rostow; and approved by Eugene Rostow for Rusk with revisions. The President's handwritten revisions appear on a draft copy sent to him with a May 21 memorandum from Walt Rostow noting that it had been cleared with Rusk. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I)
Document 31: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State
London, May 22, 1967, 1800Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 2:18 p.m.
Document 32: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, May 22, 1967, 2111Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Repeated Priority to Cairo, and to Tel Aviv. Received at 7:33 p.m.
Document 33: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, May 22, 1967, 2350Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Priority to Cairo, and to Tel Aviv. Received at 9:41 p.m. and passed to the White House on May 23 at 12:20 a.m.
Document 34: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic
Washington, May 22, 1967, 8:49 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted and approved by Eugene Rostow and cleared by Walt Rostow. Repeated to USUN Eyes Only for Ambassador Goldberg. Walt Rostow sent a copy to the President at 4:30 p.m. with a covering note stating that he had dictated it and sent it to Eugene Rostow's Middle East task force that afternoon. Rostow added: “From previous experience I know Nasser is vulnerable to direct communication from the President of the United States.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I) Another memorandum from Walt Rostow to Johnson that evening states that Eugene Rostow and Battle recommended sending messages to Prime Minister Eshkol and Syrian Prime Minister Atasi in case Nasser should release the President's message to him. (Ibid.) Messages from Johnson to Atasi and Eshkol urging restraint were transmitted in telegrams 199728 to Damascus and 199729 to Tel Aviv, both dated May 22. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR)
Document 35: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic
Washington, May 22, 1967, 9:38 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Bergus and Sterner, cleared by Atherton and Davies, and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated to London, Paris, Tel Aviv, Damascus, Amman, Beirut, Jerusalem, Ottawa, USUN, Moscow, Ankara, Tehran, Rome, Algiers, and Jidda.
Document 36: Letter From the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Rostow) to the Israeli Ambassador (Harman)
Washington, May 22, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–2 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow, Meeker, and Rostow's Staff Assistant Robert T. Grey, and cleared by Rusk, Walt Rostow, Goldberg, Battle, Meeker, and Popper. A May 20 letter from Eugene Rostow was sent to Walt Rostow on May 21 with a covering memorandum from Department of State Deputy Executive Secretary John P. Walsh requesting that it be brought to the attention of the President. Walt Rostow sent it to the President for his approval with a covering memorandum of May 21. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I) The letter printed here is a revised version of the May 20 letter, which was not sent. The text of the letter printed here was transmitted to the Embassy in Tel Aviv in telegram 199930, May 23. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Middle East Crisis Files, E. 5190, Box 6, Arab-Israeli Crisis, Chron, Tel Aviv)
Document 37: Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Hoopes) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, May 22, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Israel 400.137. Secret.
Document 38: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
Washington, May 23, 1967, 2:45 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Toon; cleared by Stoessel, Leddy, and Davies; and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated Immediate to USUN.
Document 39: President's Daily Brief
Washington, May 23, 1967.
[Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. 1 page of source text not declassified.]
Document 40: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, May 23, 1967, 1140Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Received at 9:48 a.m. and passed to the White House at 10:10 a.m.
Document 41: Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State
Moscow, May 23, 1967, 1310Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Received at 10:53 a.m. and passed to the White House at 11:20 a.m.
Document 42: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 23, 1967, 12:45 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I. Secret. Received at 1:05 p.m., according to a handwritten note on the memorandum. A handwritten note on another copy states that Rostow took a copy to the Tuesday lunch. (Ibid., Middle East Crisis, Anderson Cables) The President had lunch at 1:18 p.m. with Rusk, McNamara, Walt Rostow, George Christian, and Helms. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) No other record of the discussion has been found. The Middle East was at the top of the agenda. (Ibid., National Security File, Rostow Files, Tuesday Luncheon Suggested Agenda)
Document 43: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 23, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Israeli Aid, 5/67. Secret. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates that it was seen by the President.
Document 44: Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, May 23, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt W. Rostow, Vol. 28. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. The memorandum is unsigned, and bears no drafting information. It was sent to the President with a brief covering memorandum from Walt Rostow stating that two memoranda from Helms, which the President had requested that morning, were attached. The second memorandum has not been identified.
Document 45: Briefing Notes for Director of Central Intelligence Helms for Use at a White House Meeting
Washington, May 23, 1967.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI Executive Registry Files: Job 80–R01580, Box 10, Folder 210, President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Helms used the notes for a briefing at a White House meeting on May 23; see footnote 1, Document 42.
Document 46: Telegram From the Director of the National Security Agency (Carter) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff/Joint Reconnaissance Center
Washington, May 23, 1967, 1729Z.
Source: National Security Agency, NSA Archives, Accession No. 45981, U.S.S. Liberty Correspondence and Messages, 1965–1968. Secret. Repeated to CNO, CINCLANT, CINCLANTFLT, COMSERVLANT, COMSERVRON 8, DIRNAVSECGRU, DIRNAVSECGRULANT, NSA REPLANT, ASSTDIRNAVSECGRU, DIRNAVSECGRUEUR, HQ NSAEUR. The following note appears on the telegram:
Document 47: Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State
Paris, May 23, 1967, 1747Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate. Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, CINCSTRIKE/MEAFSA, Damascus, DOD, Jerusalem, Jidda, London, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and USUN. Received at 3:37 p.m. and passed to the White House and USIA at 4:20 p.m.
Document 48: Memorandum by the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Read)
Washington, May 23, 1967, 4:30 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted by Read.
Document 49: Editorial Note
Document 50: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 23, 1967, 2145Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 6:37 p.m.
Document 51: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, May 24, 1967, 0318Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. Repeated Priority to Moscow, and to Cairo and Tel Aviv. Received at 12:32 a.m. and passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, and CINCSTRIKE at 12:50 a.m.
Document 52: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 24, 1967, 8:45 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 53: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 24, 1967, 11–11:40 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Office of the Executive Secretariat, Middle East Crisis Files, 1967, Entry 5190, Box 3, Other. Secret; Nodis. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. Filed with a memorandum of a conversation between Eugene Rostow and Thomson that began prior to the conversation with Rusk and resumed following it, and a memorandum of a U.S.-British plenary session held that afternoon. The time of the meeting is from Rusk's Appointment Book. (Johnson Library)
Document 54: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, May 24, 1967, 12:35–1:25 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Files, NSC Meetings, Vol. 4, Tab 52. Top Secret. No drafting information appears on the memorandum but according to a May 25 memorandum from Saunders to Bromley Smith, it was drafted by Saunders. (Ibid.) The time of the meeting is from the President's Daily Diary. (Ibid.)
Document 55: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic
Washington, May 25, 1967, 10:37 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 17 UAR-US. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Battle, cleared by Bromley Smith, and approved by Department of State Deputy Executive Secretary Herbert B. Thompson.
Document 56: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, May 24, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I. Secret. An attached note indicates a copy was sent to Read.
Document 57: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations
Washington, May 24, 1967, 11:13 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Eugene Rostow's Special Assistant Thomas O. Enders and approved by Rostow. Also sent Priority to London, Moscow, and Paris, and to Cairo, Tel Aviv, Damascus, and Amman.
Document 58: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 25, 1967, 11:15 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Thomas M. Judd (EUR/BMI). The meeting took place in the Secretary's office.
Document 59: Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State
Moscow, May 25, 1967, 1415Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority. Repeated to USUN, Tel Aviv, Cairo, and Paris. Received at 1:18 p.m. A copy was sent to the President on May 26 at 11:30 a.m. with a memorandum from Walt Rostow noting that it was Ambassador Thompson's assessment of the Middle East crisis. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis)
Document 60: Draft Memorandum by the Ambassador to Canada (Butterworth)
Lake Harrington, Canada, May 25, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Canada, Vol. V. Secret. Drafted on May 26. The President met with Prime Minister Pearson and External Affairs Minister Martin at the Prime Minister's summer residence at Lake Harrington, Quebec, following a visit to the Canadian Universal and International Exhibition (EXPO '67) in Montreal. According to Johnson's Daily Diary, he was at Lake Harrington from 1:25 to 3:45 p.m. (Ibid.)
Document 61: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 25, 1967, 6 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. No classification marking. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 62: Message From Prime Minister Wilson to President Johnson
London, May 25, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. The transmission time on the message is 2313Z, which is apparently in error, since Rostow sent it to the President at 6:45 p.m. with a memorandum noting that it was more detailed than the indirect report the President had received that afternoon in Canada. He also noted that Rusk was reading it. For Wilson's account of British policy during the crisis, the war, and its immediate aftermath, see Harold Wilson, The Chariot of Israel: Britain, America and the State of Israel, pp. 329–361.
Document 63: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 25, 1967, 2240Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Top Secret; Nodis; Flash. Received at 8:05 p.m. Walt Rostow sent this telegram to the President at 10:14 p.m. with an attached note: “Herewith the same message Eban transmitted to Secretary Rusk as it was received and evaluated by Ambassador Barbour.” Telegram 202239 to Cairo, May 25, states that at 5 p.m. Eban advised Rusk of a flash message from Eshkol that the Israeli Government was convinced a UAR-Syrian attack was imminent. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR) No memorandum of this conversation between Rusk and Eban has been found. In a telephone conversation with Goldberg, Rusk referred to a message from Israel and stated that the Israelis “are calling on us for an immediate statement that an attack on them is an attack on us.” (Notes of telephone conversation prepared in S, May 25, 8:15 p.m.; ibid., Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls) Eban described the message and his conversation with Rusk in An Autobiography (New York: Random House, 1977), pp. 348–350, and in more detail in Personal Witness: Israel Through My Eyes (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1992), pp. 382–383.
Document 64: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 25, 1967, 8:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Rusk's Special Assistant C. Arthur Borg. Sent to the President at 11 a.m. on May 26 with a covering note from Walt Rostow.
Document 65: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic
Washington, May 26, 1967, 12:43 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Drafted and approved by Eugene Rostow. Cleared by Lucien L. Kinsolving for the NEA crisis task force. Also sent Flash to London, Tel Aviv, Moscow, and USUN. A copy was sent to the President on May 26 with a memorandum from Walt Rostow stating, “You may wish to see how the message to the UAR Ambassador was handled last night.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II)
Document 66: Message From President Johnson to Prime Minister Wilson
Washington, May 25, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, United Kingdom, Vol. 6, Prime Minister Wilson Correspondence File, 12/31/66–12/31/67. Secret. The message was transmitted May 26 at 0453Z. Filed with a draft that Rostow sent to the President on May 25 with a memorandum indicating that it had been amended by Rusk. Johnson initialed the memorandum, “OK. L.”
Document 67: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, May 26, 1967, 1000Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis; Noforn. Received at 7:32 a.m. and passed to the White House at 7:50 a.m. A copy was sent to the President with a May 26 memorandum from Walt Rostow stating, “You may wish to get the flavor of the perspective of our Embassy in Cairo.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. I)
Document 68: Paper Prepared in the Department of State
Washington, May 26, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UK-US. Secret; Nodis. No drafting information indicated. The date is handwritten on the paper with a query but is evidently correct. The text, except the last paragraph, was sent to London in telegram 203642, May 26. (Ibid., POL ARAB–ISR)
Document 69: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 26, 1967, 10:30 a.m.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 77–0075, Memoranda of Conversations between Secretary of Defense McNamara and Heads of State (other than NATO). Top Secret. Drafted by Jordan and approved on June 5 by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Townsend Hoopes. The meeting was held in McNamara's office at the Pentagon.
Document 70: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 26, 1967, 11:10 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified].
Document 71: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, May 26, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. XII, 1965–1968. Secret. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. Walt Rostow forwarded it to the President at 12:07 p.m. with a covering memorandum commenting: “It follows the lines you suggested to me earlier but lacks an answer to the questions: Who would join the British party; What would be consequences of this approach in Arab world and elsewhere.” (Ibid., NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 2)
Document 72: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, May 26, 1967, 1:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Miscellaneous Material. Top Secret. Drafted on May 27. Filed with a covering memorandum from Saunders to George Christian stating that he had dictated this draft from his notes and Christian could make additions or revisions before putting it in the President's records. A few handwritten corrections by Saunders appear on the source text and on a copy that Saunders sent to Walt Rostow. (Ibid., Vol. II) No copy with further revisions has been found. The agenda for the meeting, prepared by Rostow, is ibid. The meeting, held in the Cabinet Room, began at 1:33 p.m. The President left the meeting at 3:10 p.m. and returned at 3:51 p.m.; the meeting ended at 4:05 p.m. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary)
Document 73: Special Report of the Watch Committee
Washington, May 26, 1967, 2 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Situation Reports. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. The cover sheet indicates the report was sent to Bromley Smith and seen by Walt Rostow.
Document 74: Draft Statement
Washington, May 26, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. The statement, headed “Draft,” is unsigned. It is filed as an attachment to Rostow's May 26 memorandum conveying Goldberg's views on Rusk's recommendations for the President's meeting with Eban. (See footnote 2, Document 71.) Rusk's handwritten draft of the statement is in the Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 2. A copy with the President's handwritten revisions is ibid., Appointment File, June 1967.
Document 75: Memorandum
Washington, undated.
Document 76: Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, May 26, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, CIA Intelligence Memoranda, 5/67–7/67. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Intelligence. An attached note from Helms to the President states, “This is our response to your request of two days ago that we review again the military capabilities of Israel versus the Arab States.”
Document 77: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 26, 1967, 7:15–8:40 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, President's Appointment File, May 26, 1967. Secret; Nodis. The date and time of the meeting are from the President's Daily Diary. (Ibid.) No drafting information appears on the memorandum, but it was apparently drafted by Sisco, whose handwritten notes are in Department of State, Sisco Files: Lot 70 D 237, Middle East. Earlier, from 6:11 to 6:45 p.m., the President met with Israeli Minister Evron and Walt Rostow. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) No U.S. record of the meeting with Evron has been found. According to Evron's report of the meeting, printed in Michael Brecher, with Benjamin Geist, Decisions in Crisis: Israel, 1967 and 1973 (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1980), pp. 136–137, the substance of the President's comments was similar to his statements to Eban. Johnson described his meeting with Eban in The Vantage Point: Perspectives of the Presidency, 1963–1969 (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1971), pp. 293–294. Eban described it in An Autobiography, pp. 354–359, and in Personal Witness, pp. 386–391.
Document 78: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 26, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Confidential. A note on the memorandum in Johnson's handwriting reads: “Walt, What do you suggest—L.” A copy was sent to Rusk with a handwritten note: “Sir: This is the roundabout message from Nasser mentioned by Walt Rostow.” (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US)
Document 79: Memorandum From the Central Intelligence Agency's Board of National Estimates to Director of Central Intelligence Helms
Washington, May 26, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret.
Document 80: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
Washington, May 27, 1967, 1:42 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow and his staff assistant Robert T. Grey, Jr., and approved by Rostow. Repeated Priority to Cairo, Tel Aviv, Paris, and USUN.
Document 81: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, May 27, 1967, 0809Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Repeated to Tel Aviv Immediate, and to London and the White House. Received at 4:08 a.m.
Document 82: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 27, 1967, 1150Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Top Secret; Flash; Nodis. Received at 8:23 a.m.
Document 83: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, May 27, 1967, 9:57 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Houghton, and approved by Pierre Shostal in S/S. Also sent to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, London, Kuwait, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, Jerusalem, and USUN.
Document 84: Letter From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, May 27, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Head of State Correspondence File, U.S.S.R.—Presidential Correspondence. Secret; Nodis. The source text, a translation transcribed in the Division of Language Services of the Department of State, was sent to Walt Rostow, along with the original letter in Russian, with a covering memorandum of May 31 from Read. The classification appears on the translation but not on the original letter. Soviet Charge Yuri N. Chernyakov gave the letter to Secretary Rusk at 3 p.m. on May 27. After Soviet Country Director Malcolm Toon translated the letter, Rusk told Chernyakov he would transmit it to the President immediately. He told Chernyakov he could inform his government that Rusk regarded the letter as highly important, especially its last paragraph, and that the U.S. Government was making a maximum effort to restrain all governments in the crisis area, including Israel. (Ibid., Country File, Middle East Crisis)
Document 85: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, May 28, 1967, 2:05 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Grey and approved by Grey for Eugene Rostow.
Document 86: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, May 27, 1967, 9:09 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Top Secret; Flash; Nodis; Literally Eyes Only for Ambassadors. Drafted by Eugene Rostow, cleared by Walt Rostow, and approved by Secretary Rusk. Repeated to London and USUN.
Document 87: Telegram From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson in Texas
Washington, May 28, 1967, 0152Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. Received at the LBJ Ranch at 9:53 p.m. An attached typed note, dated May 27, 11 p.m., quotes Johnson's comment to Jim Jones: “I don't see where he says, ‘let's stand up and be counted.’”
Document 88: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
Washington, May 28, 1967, 1:31 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, USSR, Kosygin Correspondence, Vol. I. Top Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Literally Eyes Only for Ambassador. Drafted and approved by Rusk. Walt Rostow sent the draft message to the President at the LBJ Ranch in CAP 67457, May 27, noting that it had been cleared by Rusk and McNamara. An attached typewritten note, dated May 27, 9:30 p.m., contains the President's comment: “That's okay with me.” It indicates that Jim Jones relayed this to Walt Rostow. (Ibid., Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II)
Document 89: Telegram From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson in Texas
Washington, May 28, 1967, 1653Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. Received at the LBJ Ranch at 12:14 p.m. A handwritten “L” on the telegram indicates that it was seen by the President.
Document 90: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
Washington, May 28, 1967, 11:30 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow, cleared by Walt Rostow, and approved by Rusk. Repeated to London, USUN, Paris, and Tel Aviv.
Document 91: Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Hoopes) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, May 28, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East, 381.3. Secret. A stamped notation of June 14 on the memorandum indicates that McNamara saw it. McNamara's handwritten comments read as follows: “Possible Arab reactions: Nationalization of oil firms, Closing of Suez Canal, Denial of com & mil overflts, Banning of U.S. ships in Arab ports, Closing of Wheelus AB.”
Document 92: Telegram From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson in Texas
Washington, May 29, 1967, 1528Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. Received at the LBJ Ranch at 11:04 a.m.
Document 93: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, May 29, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. No classification marking. A copy was sent to Saunders. Davis noted at the bottom of the page: “If you think these tactics should be changed, we would have to move fast!”
Document 94: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Lebanon and the United Arab Republic
Washington, May 29, 1967, 1:18 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 US/ANDERSON. Secret; Nodis. Drafted and approved by Battle and cleared in substance by Walt Rostow and Saunders.
Document 95: Telegram From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson in Texas
Washington, May 29, 1967, 2248Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, 5/12–6/19/67, Vol. 2. Secret. Received at the LBJ Ranch at 6:37 p.m. A handwritten “L” on the telegram indicates that it was seen by the President.
Document 96: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
Washington, May 29, 1967, 7:30 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow's Special Assistant Alan R. Novak and Thomas M. Judd (EUR/BMI), and approved by Rostow. Repeated to Tel Aviv, Cairo, Bonn, The Hague, and Paris.
Document 97: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, May 29, 1967, 9:08 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Drafted by David Korn (NEA/ARP); cleared by Atherton, Davies, and Grey; and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated Priority to USUN, Cairo, and London.
Document 98: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, May 30, 1967, 0900Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Top Secret; Priority; Nodis. Received at 7:05 a.m.
Document 99: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 30, 1967, 10 a.m.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD Files: FRC 330 71 A 4919, 333, Israel. Secret; Sensitive. Drafted on June 2. The meeting was held at the Pentagon. A typed notation on the memorandum indicates Hoopes saw it.
Document 100: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, May 30, 1967, 1528Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to USUN for Goldberg. Received at 12:58 p.m. and passed to the White House at 1:09 p.m. Walt Rostow transmitted the text to the President at the LBJ Ranch in CAP 67501, May 30. (Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, 5/12–6/19/67, Vol. 2)
Document 101: Telegram From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson in Texas
Washington, May 30, 1967, 2038Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. Received at the LBJ Ranch at 4:28 p.m. A handwritten “L” on an attached note by Jim Jones, May 30, 7:35 p.m., indicates the President saw it. Another attached note indicates that Rostow sent copies to Rusk and McNamara.
Document 102: Diplomatic Note From the Israeli Ambassador (Harman) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, May 30, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret; Nodis. Sent to the President with a covering note from Walt Rostow: “Mr. President: Herewith a somber letter from Prime Minister Eshkol, foreshadowed this afternoon by Evron.”
Document 103: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk and Secretary of Defense McNamara to President Johnson
Washington, May 30, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret; Exclusive Distribution. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. It was sent to the President with a covering note from Walt Rostow, dated May 30, 6:30 p.m., stating that it was the basic background paper on the Middle East, for discussion and decision at lunch on May 31. A May 30 memorandum from Read to Rostow, which accompanied the memorandum when it was sent to the White House, states that it had been approved by Rusk and McNamara. (Ibid., Vol. III)
Document 104: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France
Washington, May 30, 1967, 11:59 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated Priority to London and USUN. Drafted by Eugene Rostow and approved in substance by Rusk.
Document 105: President's Daily Brief
Washington, May 31, 1967.
Document 106: Editorial Note
Document 107: Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State
Amman, May 31, 1967, 1825Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Rostow sent a typed copy of the telegram to the President on June 1, with an attached note that reads: “Mr. President: Herewith King Hussein asks for your neutrality. Our Arab friends really find it difficult to remember what President Eisenhower had to do to get the Israeli troops out of Sinai. Walt.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III)
Document 108: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 1, 1967, 11:08 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Grey and Eugene Rostow and approved by Eugene Rostow. Also sent to Cairo and USUN.
Document 109: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 31, 1967, 6:45 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, President's Appointment File, June 1967, Middle East Crisis. Secret. Rostow sent a copy to McNamara with a note saying that the President wanted him to have it. (Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Israel 091.112) He also sent a copy to Rusk. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ISR–US)
Document 110: Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) and Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, May 31, 1967, 8:05 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls. No classification marking. A handwritten notation indicates there was no distribution. Prepared by Carolyn J. Proctor.
Document 111: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to All Posts
Washington, May 31, 1967, 10:46 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Drafted by Battle, William D. Brewer, and Director of the Office of OECD, European Community, and Atlantic Political-Economic Affairs Deane R. Hinton; cleared by Eugene Rostow and Walt Rostow; and approved by Secretary Rusk. Walsh initialed for Rusk. Davies cleared the list of addressees with Counselor Nigel C. Trench at the British Embassy. Also sent to Dhahran, Jerusalem, U.S. Mission Geneva, Hong Kong, Paris, USRO Paris, CINCSTRIKE for POLAD, MAC for POLAD, and CINCEUR for POLAD. Rostow sent a draft to the President at 4 p.m. on May 31, with a covering memorandum stating that it would serve as a talking paper when the Declaration of Maritime Nations was presented, and that he thought the President should personally clear it. The “Cleared” option on Rostow's memorandum is checked.
Document 112: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to All Posts
Washington, May 31, 1967, 10:47 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Drafted by Legal Adviser Leonard C. Meeker and Hinton; cleared by Battle, Eugene Rostow, and Walt Rostow; and approved by Rusk. Walsh initialed for Rusk. Also sent to Dhahran, Jerusalem, U.S. Mission Geneva, Hong Kong, Paris, USRO Paris, CINCSTRIKE for POLAD, MAC for POLAD, and CINCEUR for POLAD.
Document 113: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, May 31, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Confidential. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 114: Memorandum by Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, May 31, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. Saunders sent the memorandum and its attachment to Walt Rostow with another memorandum, which states that Saunders wanted to ensure that “we consider a quite different alternative than you were discussing this morning.” It also notes that “we may face a situation where no one will come in with us on the regatta” and in that case, Saunders hoped they would “at least stop and reconsider.”
Document 115: Report of the Working Group on Economic Vulnerabilities
Washington, May 31, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. II. Secret. Read sent the report to Walt Rostow with a May 31 covering memorandum. A May 31 memorandum from Battle to Rusk, also attached, states that it was the first report of the Working Group on Economic Vulnerabilities, comprised of representatives of the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the White House staff. The group was a subcommittee of the Middle East Task Force. A May 31 memorandum by Eugene Rostow formally established the Task Force and a Control Group, chaired by Rostow and including Walt Rostow, Vance, Kohler, and Battle. Battle chaired the Task Force, which included Hoopes, Popper, Country Director for Soviet Affairs Malcolm Toon, Assistant Legal Adviser for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Donald A. Wehmeyer, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Anthony M. Solomon, and Saunders. (Ibid., Vol. III) The Task Force suspended its formal meetings on June 15. (Memorandum from Eugene Rostow to the Control Group and Task Force, June 15; ibid., Vol. VI)
Document 116: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 1, 1967.
Document 117: Telegram From the Embassy in Syria to the Department of State
Damascus, June 1, 1967, 1346Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Aleppo, Algiers, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Jerusalem, Jidda, Kuwait, USUN, Tel Aviv, London, Paris, and Moscow. Received at 11:43 a.m. and passed to the White House at 12:15 p.m. Walt Rostow sent a copy to the President, at 2:10 p.m., with a memorandum calling it the “full flavor and feeling of one of our Arabist Ambassadors.” Rostow also attached a copy of telegram 8313 from Cairo, June 1, which reported the Belgian Ambassador's view that Nasser “would not budge an inch on Aqaba” and that Israeli military action would be preferable to action by the Western powers. Rostow's memorandum states he wanted the President to have before him as wide a range of perspectives as possible. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III)
Document 118: Telegram From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief, European Command (Lemnitzer)
Washington, June 1, 1967, 1545Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 7, Appendix H. Secret. Repeated to CNO, CINCLANT, CINCLANTFLT, CINCUSNAVEUR, COMSIXTHFLT, CTF 64, USS LIBERTY, DIRNSA, NSAEUR, DIRNAVSECGRU, ADIRNAVSECGRU, DIRNAVSECGRULANT, DIRNAVSECGRUEUR.
Document 119: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, June 1, 1967, 1435Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated Priority to USUN. Received and passed to the White House at 11:58 a.m. A copy was sent to the President by Walt Rostow at 4:05 p.m. with a note describing it as “an evenhanded view” from Yost. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III)
Document 120: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 1, 1967, 2246Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 7:46 p.m.
Document 121: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 1, 1967, 1 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. No classification marking. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates that it was received at 1:25 p.m.
Document 122: Memorandum From Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 1, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Secret.
Document 123: Telegram From the Embassy in Portugal to the Department of State
Lisbon, June 1, 1967, 1700Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 US/ANDERSON. Top Secret; Immediate; Exdis; Handled as Nodis. Received at 4:34 p.m. and passed to the White House at 5 p.m.
Document 124: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 1, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 77–0075, Memoranda of Conversations Between Secretary McNamara and Heads of State (Other than NATO). Top Secret; Personal and Eyes Only for the Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence. Prepared on June 2. A copy was sent to the Director of Central Intelligence and a stamped notation on the memorandum indicates McNamara saw it on June 2.
Document 125: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Syria
Washington, June 1, 1967, 5:49 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted on May 31 and June 1 by Eugene Rostow, cleared by Popper and Davies, and approved by Rostow. Also sent to Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo, Amman, Jidda, Kuwait, Tripoli, Kuala Lumpur, Algiers, Rabat, Addis Ababa, Tehran, Rawalpindi, Djakarta, and New Delhi and repeated to Tel Aviv.
Document 126: Memorandum From the Board of National Estimates to Director of Central Intelligence Helms
Washington, June 1, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Secret. Sent to the President on June 1 with an attached memorandum from Helms stating, “This is the Agency estimate which I indicated to you yesterday would be in your hands today.”
Document 127: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 2, 1967.
Document 128: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, June 2, 1967, 1038Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to USUN for Goldberg. Received at 7:45 a.m. and passed to the White House at 9:17 a.m.
Document 129: Telegram From the Embassy in Portugal to the Department of State
Lisbon, June 2, 1967, 1030Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Top Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 8:29 a.m. Walt Rostow sent a copy to the President at 12:40 p.m. with a memorandum stating, “It is urgent that we decide whether we should inform the Israelis of this visit. My guess is their intelligence will pick it up. We would be wise to have Sec. Rusk tell Harman.” He also added, “In the light of this picture of Nasser's mind, we must work out most carefully the scenario for talks with Mohieddin.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Anderson Cables)
Document 130: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 2, 1967, 11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted by Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Leddy and approved by the White House and S on June 14. The memorandum is part I of IV. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Room of the White House. At the same time (11:35 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), President Johnson and Prime Minister Wilson met privately in the Oval Office. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) No record of their meeting has been found.
Document 131: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 2, 1967, 12:45 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Secret; Eyes Only. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Saunders sent a copy to John Walsh with a memorandum of December 10, 1968, commenting that the memorandum was the clearest statement “on whether we had a ‘commitment’ from Eshkol to wait two weeks.” He added, however, “but even there there's a possibility of our overreading. I was there and sat through Walt's dictation of the memo and believed at the time it reflected accurately what Eppie said. But by that time, even Eppie may have been overtaken by thinking in Jerusalem.” Saunders indicated that Walsh should particularly note Evron's reply to Rostow's first question in paragraph 6. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ISR–US)
Document 132: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 2, 1967, 3:47–4:45 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ISR–US. Top Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Davies. The time is from Rusk's Appointment Book. (Johnson Library)
Document 133: Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State
Paris, June 2, 1967, 1910Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 4:46 p.m.
Document 134: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, June 2, 1967, 2029Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 6:20 p.m. A copy was sent to the President on June 3 with a note from Walt Rostow calling Nasser's response “quite uncompromising,” noting that Nasser was willing to receive Vice President Humphrey or to send Vice President Mohieddin to Washington, and stating that he and Rusk agreed that “we should proceed to get Mohieddin here.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis)
Document 135: Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Helms to President Johnson
Washington, June 2, 1967.
Document 136: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 2, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Top Secret; Nodis.
Document 137: Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Hoopes) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, June 2, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East, 381.3. Secret; No Release. A stamped notation on the memorandum, dated June 14, indicates that McNamara saw it.
Document 138: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 3, 1967.
[Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. 1 page of source text not declassified.]
Document 139: Letter From President Johnson to Prime Minister Eshkol
Washington, June 3, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Secret. Rostow sent a draft letter, drafted by Battle and Sisco, with his handwritten revisions to the President at 7:25 p.m. on June 2. Johnson marked his approval on Rostow's covering memorandum. (Ibid.) Rostow sent him the letter for signature with a covering memorandum on June 3 at 2:50 p.m., noting that he understood Johnson wanted to read it again before it was sent and adding, “It may be urgent that we put this letter on record soon.” (Ibid.) The final letter includes additional revisions, which, according to a handwritten note by Harold H. Saunders, were given to him by the President on the telephone on the afternoon of June 3. (Ibid., NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis) A copy of the draft with Saunders' handwritten revisions is filed ibid., Memos to the President, Walt Rostow, Vol. 30. A handwritten note on the letter states that it was sent to the Department of State at 4:30 p.m.
Document 140: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 4, 1967, 2:03 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Battle on June 3 and approved by Rusk.
Document 141: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Arab Capitals
Washington, June 3, 1967, 7:17 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted and approved by Rusk. Sent to Algiers, Amman, Baghdad, Baida, Beirut, Cairo, Jidda, Kuwait, Rabat, Sanaa, Tel Aviv, and Tunis.
Document 142: Memorandum From Robert N. Ginsburgh of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 3, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Situation Reports. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified].
Document 143: Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, June 3, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, CIA Intelligence Memoranda, 5/67–7/67. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Intelligence.
Document 144: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 4, 1967, 11:30 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Secret. Rostow sent copies to Rusk and McNamara.
Document 145: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, June 4, 1967, 1925Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Received at 3:44 p.m. Rostow sent a copy to the President at 5:15 p.m. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III)
Document 146: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
Washington, June 4, 1967, 9:54 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow's Special Assistant Alan R. Novak, and approved by Rostow.
Document 147: Memorandum From the Contingency Work Group on Military Planning to the Middle East Control Group
Washington, June 4, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East 381.3. Secret. Sent to Secretary of Defense McNamara with a covering memorandum of June 4 from Hoopes that states the Control Group was to consider it “preliminary” that evening. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates that McNamara saw it on June 5. A copy of a JCS memorandum for McNamara on “Military Actions—Straits of Tiran,” JCSM–310–67, June 2, is attached. It discussed possible military forces that might be used and steps that might be taken in case a decision were made to test the UAR blockade, with the assumption that more time was available than had been assumed in JCSM–301–67, May 27, which had considered only actions that could be taken within approximately 1 week. (See footnote 2, Document 91.)
Document 148: Minutes of the Ninth Meeting of the Middle East Control Group
Washington, June 4, 1967, 11 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Office of the Executive Secretariat, Middle East Crisis Files, 1967, Entry 5190, Box 17, Minutes/Decisions of the Control Group, Folder 1. Secret; Nodis. No drafter or participants are on the source text.
Document 149: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, November 17, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified].
Document 150: Editorial Note
Document 151: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 5, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. This information, which has been excerpted from a Presidential Daily Brief (“PDB”), was improperly declassified and released. The declassification and release of this information in no way impacts or controls the declassification status of the remainder of this PDB, other PDBs, or the PDB as a series.
Document 152: Editorial Note
Document 153: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, June 5, 1967, 6:22 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Flash. Drafted by Atherton and approved by Davies. Repeated Flash to USUN, and to Rabat, Tunis, London, Moscow, Cairo, Paris, Algiers, Beirut, Damascus, Tripoli, Tel Aviv, Khartoum, Baghdad, Kuwait, Jidda, Jerusalem, CINCSTRIKE, CINCEUR, and COMSIXTHFLT.
Document 154: Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Rusk and the British Ambassador (Dean)
Washington, June 5, 1967, 7:08 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192. No classification marking. Transcribed by Jane M. Rothe.
Document 155: Editorial Note
Document 156: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 5, 1967, 7:47 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The message is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation that a sight translation was made at 8:05 a.m.; the message was received by the President at 8:15 a.m.; a rough translation was made at 8:30 a.m.; and a final, official translation was provided at 10:08 a.m. There is no indication of the transmission time or time of receipt, but a typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states that it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 7:47 a.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 7:59 a.m. According to an English translation attached to the Russian copy of the message, the complete message begins: “The Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Kosygin, wishes to know whether President Johnson is standing by the machine. I would like to convey to President Johnson the following information.” (Ibid.)
Document 157: Message From the White House to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 5, 1967, 8:15 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. Secret. A typed notation on the source text states it was transmitted by U.S. Molink at 8:15 a.m., and received by Soviet Molink at 8:33 a.m. It is addressed “To Chairman Kosygin, From The White House.” A copy addressed “To Comrade Kosygin, Chairman Council of Ministers, USSR, From President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson” is ibid., Rostow Files, President-Kosygin Correspondence. According to Llewellyn E. Thompson, the U.S. telegraph operators apparently had asked the Moscow operators the proper way to address Kosygin and were told, “Comrade Kosygin.” Ambassador Dobrynin, who had been at the Moscow end of the line, told Thompson afterward that he had been quite startled, and that the Russians wondered if the President was making a joke, or making fun of them in some way. Dobrynin, however, told Thompson he guessed what had happened. (Memorandum of conversation between Thompson and Nathaniel Davis; ibid., NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 7, Appendix G)
Document 158: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 5, 1967, 1205Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Received at 8:44 a.m. Walt Rostow sent a copy to the President at 10:40 a.m. with a brief memorandum stating that Eshkol “builds his case mainly on the general environment, but refers to bombardment of three Israel towns as the trigger.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III) At 11:10 a.m. Rostow sent Johnson telegram 3937 from Tel Aviv, June 5, that reported a meeting among General Amit, Barbour, and Special Counsel to the President Harry C. McPherson, Jr. Rostow's brief covering memorandum commented that Amit's argument was consistent with Eshkol's: that there had been artillery fire on three Israeli villages and UAR air incursions, and then the Israelis had “punched all the buttons.” Rostow added, “At least that's his story.” (Ibid.) For McPherson's report of his visit to Israel, see Document 263.
Document 159: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 5, 1967, 8:57 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. Secret. A typed notation on the source text indicates it was approved by the President at 8:47 a.m., transmitted by U.S. Molink at 8:57 a.m., and received by Soviet Molink at 8:59 a.m. The message is addressed “To Chairman Kosygin. From President Lyndon B. Johnson.” A copy is addressed “Personal from the President to Chairman Kosygin.” (Ibid., Rostow Files, President-Kosygin Correspondence) President Johnson met with Rusk, McNamara, Walt Rostow, and George Christian from 8:17 to 9:25 a.m. in the White House Situation Room. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary) There is no record of the meeting. A draft in Rusk's handwriting with Rostow's handwritten revisions is ibid., National Security File, Rostow Files, President-Kosygin Correspondence.
Document 160: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, June 5, 1967, 9:49 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted and approved by Eugene Rostow and cleared by Battle. Repeated Flash to Tel Aviv and Priority to London, Rome, Brussels, Paris, and The Hague.
Document 161: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 5, 1967, 5:07 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Wolle, cleared by Davies and Grey, and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated Priority to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Paris, Moscow, USUN, Khartoum, Baghdad, Jidda, Kuwait, Algiers, Tunis, Rabat, and Tripoli.
Document 162: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to All Posts
Washington, June 5, 1967, 4:35 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Bergus, cleared by Battle and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Joseph Palmer II, and approved by Eugene Rostow.
Document 163: Memorandum Prepared by the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Battle)
Washington, June 5, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Office of the Executive Secretariat, Middle East Crisis Files, 1967, Entry 5190, Box 16, State Memos. Secret. Rusk's initials appear on the memorandum indicating that he read it. Marginal notations indicate the persons to whom action on the various items was assigned. The meeting was held in the Cabinet Room from 11:36 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Those present were the President, Acheson, Battle, Rusk, Thompson, Bundy, Clifford, McNamara, Walt Rostow, and George Christian. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) No other record of the meeting has been found. Bundy recalled later that the meeting was “mainly concerned with the awful shape we would be in if the Israelis were losing. We didn't really know anything about the situation on the ground. When, in the course of that day, it became apparent that the Israeli Air Force had won, the entire atmosphere of the problem changed. It was in a way reassuring when it became clear that the fighting was the Israelis' idea and that the idea was working. That was a lot better than if it had been the other way around.” (Memorandum of conversation, November 7, 1968; cited in Document 155.) See also Document 149.
Document 164: Editorial Note
Document 165: Minutes of the Tenth Meeting of the Middle East Control Group
Washington, June 5, 1967, 5 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Office of the Executive Secretariat, Middle East Crisis Files, 1967, Entry 5190, Box 17, Minutes/Decisions of the Control Group, Folder 1. Secret; Nodis. No drafter nor participants are listed in the minutes. A memorandum of the meeting by Hoopes is in Washington National Records Center, RG 330, ISA Files: FRC 76–140, A/I/S, 2–12–6, 1967 Crisis Special File.
Document 166: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 5, 1967, 5:45 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. III. Secret. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates it was received at 5:50 p.m.; a handwritten “L” indicates it was seen by the President.
Document 167: Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between the Representative to the United Nations (Goldberg) and Secretary of State Rusk
June 5, 1967, 8 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls. No classification marking. The notes of the conversation were prepared in the Secretary's office. Rusk was in Washington; Goldberg was in New York.
Document 168: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
Washington, June 5, 1967, 11:09 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate. The telegram indicates the text was received from the White House. It was approved for transmission by Walsh; the message conveyed in the telegram was apparently drafted by Walt Rostow.
Document 169: Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency's Office of Current Intelligence
Washington, June 5, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Situation Reports. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. The memorandum was not prepared on letterhead and bears no drafting information, but a copy bears the handwritten notation “CIA/OCI memo.” (Ibid., NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3) See footnote 7, Document 149.
Document 170: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, June 6, 1967, 2:53 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis; Flash. Drafted by Davies; cleared in substance by Houghton, and approved for transmission by Robert D. Yoder of the Operations Center. Also sent Flash to Tel Aviv and repeated Flash to Cairo, Beirut, Damascus, Jerusalem, Baghdad, Kuwait, Jidda, and USUN.
Document 171: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations
Washington, June 6, 1967, 4:06 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Unclassified; Flash. Drafted by Houghton, and approved by Davies. Also sent Flash to Damascus, Rabat, Khartoum, Tunis, Baghdad, London, Kuwait, Tripoli, Jidda, Algiers, Paris, Beirut, Moscow, Amman, Jerusalem, and Cairo.
Document 172: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 6, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Regarding the release of this PDB, see footnote 1, Document 151.
Document 173: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 6, 1967,5:34 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The source text is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation indicating a sight translation was made at 5:50 a.m.; the message was received by the President at 5:50 a.m.; a rough translation was made at 5:54 a.m.; and a final, official translation was provided at 6:23 a.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states that it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 5:34 a.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 5:43 a.m. (Ibid.)
Document 174: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 6, 1967, 8:55 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Drafted by Under Secretary of State Katzenbach and approved for transmission by Deputy Executive Secretary Herbert B. Thompson. Repeated Flash to Amman.
Document 175: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 6, 1967, 10:21 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. Secret. A typed notation on the source text indicates it was approved by the President at 10:03 a.m.; it was transmitted by US Molink at 10:21 a.m. and it was received by Soviet Molink at 10:43 a.m. The President met with Vice President Humphrey, Rusk, McNamara, Katzenbach, Bundy, Walt Rostow, Clark Clifford, and Llewellyn Thompson from 6:40 to 8:54 a.m. in the White House Situation Room. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary)
Document 176: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 6, 1967, 11 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3. No classification marking. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates that is was received at noon, and a handwritten “L” indicates the President saw it.
Document 177: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon
Washington, June 7, 1967, 10:40 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by David L. Gamon (NEA/ARN), cleared by Davies and Houghton, and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated to Baghdad, Jidda, Dhahran, Tel Aviv, London, Paris, and USUN. According to Rusk's Appointment Book, the meeting took place at 11 a.m. on June 6. (Johnson Library)
Document 178: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, June 6, 1967, 1640Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 17 US–UAR. Confidential; Flash. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, and CINCSTRIKE at 11 p.m.
Document 179: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 6, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3. Confidential. Rostow sent this memorandum to the President at 4 p.m. with a covering memorandum commenting: “If the Israelis go fast enough, and the Soviets get worried enough, a simple cease-fire might be the best answer. This would mean that we could use the de facto situation on the ground to try to negotiate not a return to armistice lines but a definitive peace in the Middle East.” A copy was sent to Saunders.
Document 180: Editorial Note
Document 181: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 6, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. IV. Confidential.
Document 182: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 6, 1967, 6:07 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The source text is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation indicating a sight translation was made at 6:12 p.m.; the message was received by the President at 6:15 p.m.; a rough translation was made at 6:17 p.m.; and a final, official translation was provided at 6:38 p.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states that it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 6:07 p.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 6:10 p.m. (Ibid.)
Document 183: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 6, 1967, 8:23 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. Secret. A typed notation on the message indicates it was approved by the President at 7:45 p.m., it was transmitted by US Molink at 8:23 p.m., and it was received by Soviet Molink at 8:28 p.m. The President met in the Situation Room from 6:29 to 7:15 p.m. with Rusk, McNamara, Thompson, Katzenbach, Bundy, and Walt Rostow. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) Thompson recalled later that during the 8 hours that had elapsed since Johnson's message that morning (Document 175), Fedorenko had agreed to a simple cease-fire, that is, according to Thompson, “to a resolution Kosygin now wanted to get away from.” Thompson recalled some discussion in the Situation Room whether they should take advantage of Fedorenko's agreement to a simple cease-fire or stick to the terms of Johnson's earlier message. He thought they would have been prepared to accept the earlier formulation, but everyone agreed they should “take advantage of what had happened in New York.” See Document 245.
Document 184: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France
Washington, June 6, 1967, 9:34 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 19–8 US–ISR. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Drafted by Political-Military Adviser Colonel Edgar J. Fredericks (NEA/RA); cleared in substance by Davies, Director for Operations Joseph J. Wolf (G/PM), and Director of Foreign Military Rights Affairs Philip E. Barringer (DOD/ISA), and in draft by Atherton; and approved for transmission by Sober.
Document 185: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 6, 1967, 9:41 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL/27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Battle and approved by Rusk.
Document 186: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 7, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Regarding the release of this PDB, see footnote 1, Document 151.
Document 187: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, June 7, 1967, 7:46 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash. Drafted and approved by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Stuart W. Rockwell and cleared by Rusk. Repeated Flash to Tel Aviv.
Document 188: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 7, 1967, 8:18 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The message is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation indicating a sight translation was made at 8:29 a.m.; the message was received by the President at 8:34 a.m.; a rough translation was made at 8:36 a.m.; and a final official translation was provided at 9:20 a.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 8:18 a.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 8:23 a.m. (Ibid.)
Document 189: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 7, 1967, 9:50 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. IV. Secret. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Copies were sent to Rusk, McNamara, McGeorge Bundy, and Clark Clifford.
Document 190: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Califano) to President Johnson
Washington, June 7, 1967, 10:15 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Name File, Califano Memos. No classification marking. The President looked at the memorandum in Califano's office around 10:45 a.m. and told Califano to talk to Bundy about it “confidentially.” (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary)
Document 191: Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State
Amman, June 7, 1967, 1408Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash. Repeated to the White House and Tel Aviv. Received at 10:57 a.m. Passed to DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, and CINCSTRIKE, and USUN at 11:15 a.m.
Document 192: Telegram From the Commander of the Sixth Fleet (Martin) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
June 7, 1967, 1503Z.
Source: Joint Chiefs of Staff Files, 898/392. Secret; Flash. The telegram does not indicate the time of receipt. Repeated to CNO, CINCUSNAVEUR, USCINCEUR, CINCUSAFE, DIA, and DIRNSA. Filed as an attachment to the Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team: USS Liberty Incident, 8 June 1967. (See footnote 2, Document 337.)
Document 193: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 7, 1967, 11:18 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. A typed notation on the source text indicates it was approved by the President at 11 a.m.; it was transmitted by US Molink at 11:18 a.m.; and it was received by Soviet Molink at 11:25 a.m. The message was drafted by Rusk and apparently revised by the President, Walt Rostow, and Bundy. A draft marked “Sect. Rusk, 10:10 a.m., draft,” along with a copy of the message as sent, which was similar but somewhat revised, is ibid., Country File, USSR, Hollybush, Vol. III. The President met with Walt Rostow and Bundy for a part of the time between 10:25 and 10:45 a.m. discussing “the wording of some communication.” (Ibid., President's Daily Diary)
Document 194: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 7, 1967, 12:05–1 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Meetings File, Vol. 4. Secret. Dated January 7, 1969. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Room. The time and place of the meeting are from the President's Daily Diary. (Ibid.) A list of those present is ibid., National Security File, NSC Meetings File, Vol. 4. A handwritten memorandum, June 7, that Rostow apparently gave to the President during the meeting, conveys a message from Moyers that Eban had told Feinberg he was going to take the position of no withdrawal without a definitive peace, and he would be seeing Goldberg to ask for U.S. support. Feinberg thought this was the way for the President to retrieve his position after the McCloskey statement. (Ibid., Appointment File, June 1967, Middle East Crisis) Rostow evidently received this message in a telephone call from Moyers at 12:28 p.m.; he left the NSC meeting to return Moyers' call. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary
Document 195: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 7, 1967, 3:55 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3. No classification marking. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates it was received at 4:07 p.m., and seen by the President.
Document 196: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 7, 1967, 5:42 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash. Drafted and approved by Davies. Repeated to Amman, Moscow, London, Paris, Jerusalem, USUN, CINCSTRIKE, COMSIXTHFLT, CINCEUR, and DIA.
Document 197: Notes of a Meeting of the Special Committee of the National Security Council
Washington, June 7, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. The meeting was held from 6:32 to 7:55 p.m.; the President left the meeting from 7:03 to 7:32 p.m. Rusk arrived 10 minutes late because he had been on Capitol Hill. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) The notes are Saunders' handwritten notes of the meeting. The only formal records of the Special Committee meetings are memoranda for the record summarizing the committee's decisions, drafted by Saunders and based on his notes. Very brief notes of the meetings by Helms are in Central Intelligence Agency Files, DCI Files: Job 80–B01285A, Box 11, Folder 12, DCI (Helms) Miscellaneous Notes of Meetings, 1 Jan 1966–31 Dec 1968.
Document 198: Memorandum From Larry Levinson and Ben Wattenberg of the White House Staff to President Johnson
Washington, June 7, 1967, 7:45 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Appointment File, June 1967, Middle East Crisis. Confidential. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. The President called Levinson at 8:40 p.m. and said he had received the memorandum and was disappointed in some of his Israeli friends and their reactions to what was being done during the crisis. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary)
Document 199: Telegram From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief, European Command (Lemnitzer)
Washington, June 8, 1967, 0110Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 7, Appendix H. Top Secret; Immediate. Repeated Immediate to CNO, CINCLANT, CINCLANTFLT, CINCUSNAVEUR, COMSIXTHFLT, CTF 64, USS LIBERTY, HQ-NSAEUR, NSAEUR OFF GERMANY, DIRNSA, DIRNAVSECGRU, ADIRNAVSECGRU, DIRNAVSECGRULANT, DIRNAVSECGRUEUR.
Document 200: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts
Washington, June 7, 1967, 9:41 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 17 US–ARAB. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Bergus and Rusk, cleared by Palmer and Davies, and approved by Rusk. Sent to Algiers, Baghdad, Damascus, Khartoum, Nouakchott, and Beirut and repeated to Bujumbura, Conakry, Bamako, Rabat, Mogadiscio, Dar es Salaam, and Tripoli.
Document 201: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 8, 1967, 3:38 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash. Drafted and approved by Brewer of the NEA Task Force. Repeated Flash to Amman and USUN.
Document 202: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 8, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Regarding the release of this PDB, see footnote 1, Document 151.
Document 203: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 8, 1967, 6:31 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash. Drafted and approved by Brewer and cleared by Katzenbach. Repeated Priority to Amman, Athens, Beirut, Damascus, Jerusalem, London, USUN, and CINCSTRIKE.
Document 204: Editorial Note
Document 205: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 8, 1967, 9:50 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3. No classification marking. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Rostow telephoned the President at 9:49 a.m. This memorandum apparently confirmed information Rostow had given him in that telephone conversation. At 10 a.m., Johnson telephoned Secretary McNamara. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) No record has been found of either of these conversations.
Document 206: Telegram From the Commander of the Sixth Fleet (Martin) to the U.S.S. America and U.S.S. Saratoga
June 8, 1967, 1339Z.
Source: Naval Security Group Files, Box 896, USS Liberty Pre-76 Inactive Files, Box 1, U.S.S. Liberty, 5750/4, Chronological Message File. Confidential; Flash. The message was repeated at 1349Z from COMSIXTHFLT to CNO, CINCUSNAVEUR, and CTF 60. Received in the Navy Department at 1402Z. A handwritten note on the telegram states that the message was cancelled by COMSIXTHFLT 081609Z. Prior to that, however, telegram 081440Z from COMSIXTHFLT to the America and the Saratoga directed: “Recall all strikes.” (Naval Historical Center, Operational Archives Branch, U.S.S. Liberty Incident, Message File) Telegram 081645Z from COMSIXTHFLT to USCINCEUR reported that all aircraft from the America and the Saratoga had been recalled and were accounted for. (Ibid.)
Document 207: Telegram From the Commander of the Sixth Fleet (Martin) to the Commander in Chief, European Command (Lemnitzer)
June 8, 1967, 1320Z.
Source: National Security Agency, Center for Cryptologic History Historical Collection, Series VIII, Crisis Files, Box 16. Unclassified; Flash. Repeated to AIG 998, JCS, CNO, CTF 60, and CTG 60.2. Received at the National Military Command Center at 10:13 a.m.
Document 208: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 8, 1967, 10:10 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified].
Document 209: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 8, 1967, 9:48 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The message is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation indicating a sight translation was made at 10:28 a.m.; the message was received by the President at 10:31 a.m.; a rough translation was made at 10:34 a.m.; and a final, official translation was provided at 12:35 p.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states that it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 9:48 a.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 10:15 a.m. (Ibid.)
Document 210: Memorandum of Telephone Conversations
Washington, June 8, 1967, 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted by Kohler's Special Assistant Stephen Low and approved in S/S on June 9.
Document 211: Telegram From the Defense Attaché Office in Israel to the White House
Tel Aviv, June 8, 1967, 1414Z.
Source: National Security Agency, Center for Cryptologic History Historical Collection, Series VIII, Box 16d, DIA (USDAO, Tel Aviv) re Liberty. Confidential; Flash. Sent also to OSD, CNO, the Department of State, COMSIXTHFLT, CINCSTRIKE, CINCNAVEUR, and JCS. Repeated to DIA, USUN, CINCEUR-USEUCOM, CTG 60, USAFE, and CINCUSAFEUR. The message was received at the National Military Command Center at 10:45 a.m.; see Document 219. An unsigned note on White House stationery, June 8, 11 a.m., states that the Defense Attaché in Tel Aviv “has informed us that the attack on the USS Liberty was a mistaken action of Israeli boats.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3)
Document 212: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 8, 1967, 11:17 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. A typed notation on the message indicates it was approved by the President at 11 a.m.; transmitted by U.S. Molink at 11:17 a.m.; and received by Soviet Molink at 11:24 a.m. The message was apparently drafted by either Bundy or Walt Rostow in consultation with the President. Bundy telephoned Johnson at 10:20 a.m. and the President returned a call from Walt Rostow at 10:24 a.m. Johnson telephoned Rostow at 11 a.m., and Bundy called him immediately afterward. The President apparently approved the message in one of these conversations. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary)
Document 213: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 8, 1967, 12:01 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, May 12–June 19, 1967, Vol. 7. No classification marking. A typed notation on the message indicates it was approved by the President at 11:35 a.m.; transmitted by U.S. Molink at 12:01 p.m.; and received by Soviet Molink at 12:05 p.m. According to the President's Daily Diary, he met with McNamara, Rusk, Clifford, Katzenbach, Thompson, Bundy, and Walt Rostow, from 11:06 to 11:45 a.m. in the White House Situation Room. (Ibid.)
Document 214: Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Rusk and the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Solomon)
Washington, June 8, 1967, 12:24 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192. No classification marking. Prepared by Carolyn J. Proctor.
Document 215: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 8, 1967, 2 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash. Drafted by Wolle; cleared by Rusk's Special Assistant Harry W. Schlaudeman, and approved by Battle. Repeated Flash to CINCSTRIKE, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, USUN, Moscow, USCINCEUR, and CINCUSNAVEUR.
Document 216: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 8, 1967, 12:20 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The message is labeled “Translation.” A typed notation indicates a sight translation was made at 12:25 p.m.; the message was received by the President at 12:30 p.m.; a rough translation was made at 12:34 p.m.; and a final, official translation was provided at 1:15 p.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 12:20 p.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 12:23 p.m. (Ibid.) Rostow forwarded the message to the President in a 12:45 p.m. memorandum, commenting that this exchange of messages was “one reason the link was created: to avoid misinterpretation of military moves and incidents during an intense crisis.” (Ibid., Memos to the President, Walt Rostow, Vol. 30) For Ambassador Thompson's comments, see Document 245.
Document 217: Telegram From the Commander in Chief, Naval Forces, Europe (McCain), to the Commander in Chief, European Command (Lemnitzer)
June 8, 1967, 1903Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. Secret. The telegram does not indicate precedence, but another copy shows that it was sent Immediate. (National Security Agency Archives, Accession No. 45981, U.S.S. Liberty Correspondence and Messages, 1965–1968) Repeated to CNO, COMSIXTHFLT, CINCLANTFLT, and JCS.
Document 218: Telegram From the U.S.S. Liberty to the Chief of Naval Operations (McDonald)
June 8, 1967, 1715Z.
Source: Naval Security Group Records, Box 896, USS Liberty Pre-76 Inactive Files, Box 1, U.S.S. Liberty, 5750/4, Chronological Message File. Unclassified; Immediate. Repeated to CINCUSNAVEUR, CINCEUR, JCS (JRC), CINCLANTFLT, COMSIXTHFLT, and COMSERVLANT. Received at 1916Z.
Document 219: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 8, 1967, 3:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Liberty. Top Secret. Prepared in the National Military Command Center.
Document 220: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 8, 1967, 3:58 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. A typed notation on the message indicates it was approved by the President at 3:36 p.m.; transmitted by U.S. Molink at 3:58 p.m.; and received by Soviet Molink at 4 p.m.
Document 221: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to the Special Committee of the National Security Council
Washington, June 8, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Special Committee Meetings. Secret. No drafter is indicated on the memorandum, which was prepared June 9. Present for the entire meeting were Rusk, McNamara, Fowler, Katzenbach, Wheeler, Helms, Clifford, Eugene Rostow, Battle, Walt Rostow, Bundy, and Saunders. The President attended from 7:10 to 7:45 p.m. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary)
Document 222: Memorandum by Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff
Washington, June 8, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Suspense. Secret. Saunders sent this memorandum to Bundy on June 8 with a note saying that he would give him each morning, in addition to the minutes, a checklist like this of pending items that he would want to consider for the evening's agenda. The memorandum was based on Saunders' notes of the meeting. Neither Saunders' nor Helms' notes of the meeting indicate any discussion of the attack that day on the Liberty.
Document 223: Circular Telegram to All Posts
Washington, June 8, 1967, 9:53 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Lambrakis, cleared by Officer in Charge of UN Political Affairs Betty-Jane Jones and William D. Wolle (NEA/IAI), and approved by Davies.
Document 224: Memorandum From Peter Jessup of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 8, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Liberty. Top Secret. Also sent to Bundy and Bromley Smith.
Document 225: Memorandum From Secretary of Defense McNamara to the President's Special Consultant (Bundy)
Washington, June 8, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Committee, Military Aid. No classification marking.
Document 226: Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Hoopes) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, June 8, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East, 092. Secret. A notation on the memorandum indicates it was seen by the Secretary of Defense on June 9.
Document 227: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 9, 1967, 2256Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret: Priority; Exdis. Received at 7:49 p.m and passed to the White House at 8:05 p.m.
Document 228: Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, June 9, 1967, 0443Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Handled as Exdis. Received at 1:58 a.m.
Document 229: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 9, 1967, 0810Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Limited Official Use; Immediate. Received at 5:14 a.m. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC for POLAD, CINCSTRIKE, and USUN at 5:35 a.m.
Document 230: President's Daily Brief
Washington, June 9, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 6, Appendix A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Regarding the release of this PDB, see footnote 1, Document 151.
Document 231: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 9, 1967, 1505Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. The date-time group on the telegram, 071505Z, is in error. Received on June 9 at 11:47 a.m. and passed to the White House at 12:10 p.m.
Document 232: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 9, 1967, 12:55 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. Confidential. A copy was sent to McGeorge Bundy. A handwritten notation on the memorandum states that it was received at 1:30 p.m., and a handwritten “L” indicates the President saw it.
Document 233: Telegram From the Defense Attaché Office in Israel to the White House
Tel Aviv, June 9, 1967, 1520Z.
Source: Naval Security Group Files, Box 896, USS Liberty Pre-76 Inactive Files, Box 1, U.S.S. Liberty, 5750/4, Chronological Message File. Secret; Immediate; Priority. Sent also to OSD, CNO, DEPT STATE, COMSIXTHFLT, CINCSTRIKE, CINCNAVEUR, and JCS. Repeated to DIA, USUN, CINCEUR-USEUCOM, CTG SIX ZERO PT TWO, USAFE, CINCUSAREUR, and CTG SIX ZERO. Received at the Department of the Navy at 1925Z.
Document 234: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 9, 1967, 3:26 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. IV. Top Secret; Trine. Prepared in the National Military Command Center. A handwritten note on the memorandum indicates a copy was sent to Clifford.
Document 235: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, June 9, 1967, 6:15 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Special Committee Meetings. No classification marking.
Document 236: Notes of a Meeting of the Special Committee of the National Security Council
Washington, June 9, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. The President, Vice President, and Senator Joseph S. Clark of Pennsylvania were present from 6:53 to 6:59 p.m. The President returned to the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Except for a brief absence from 7:34 to 7:38 p.m., he was present until 7:53 p.m. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary) The notes are Saunders' handwritten notes of the meeting. A June 9 memorandum for the record by Bundy, headed “Minutes of NSC Special Committee,” records three decisions by the committee. It states that the committee approved telling King Hassan “that now is not the time for a visit to Washington”, approved acceding to a request by King Faisal that no U.S. naval vessels visit Saudi Arabian ports in the immediate future, and agreed that Helms' rejection of an offer [text not declassified] was the right response but that the matter might be reconsidered. (Ibid., National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes)
Document 237: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to the Special Committee of the National Security Council
Washington, June 9, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Committee No. 1, 6/7/67–6/30/67. Secret.
Document 238: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 9, 1967, 7:31 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Marshall W. Wiley (NEA/ARN); cleared by Wolle, Houghton, and Grey; and approved by Davies. Repeated Immediate to USUN, Amman, and Jerusalem.
Document 239: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 9, 1967, 9:32 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. Confidential; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Rusk and Sisco and approved by Rusk. Repeated to USUN.
Document 240: Memorandum From the Acting Chairman of the Central Intelligence Agency's Board of National Estimates (Smith) to Director of Central Intelligence Helms
Washington, June 9, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Situation Reports. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 241: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 10, 1967, 0435Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Confidential; Priority. Received at 1:56 a.m. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC for POLAD, and CINCSTRIKE.
Document 242: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 10, 1967, 0550Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 2:50 a.m.
Document 243: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 10, 1967, 8:48 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The message is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation indicating a sight translation was made at 9 a.m. and it was received by the President at 9:05 a.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 8:48 a.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 8:52 a.m. (Ibid.)
Document 244: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, October 22, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 7, Appendix G. Top Secret. Drafted by Saunders.
Document 245: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, November 4, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, 5/12–1/19/67, Vol. 7, Appendix G. Secret.
Document 246: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 10, 1967, 9:39 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. Secret. A typed notation on the message indicates it was approved by the President at 9:30 a.m., and transmitted by U.S. Molink at 9:39 a.m.
Document 247: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 10, 1967, 9:44 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The message is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation indicating that a sight translation was made at 10 a.m., and the message was received by the President at 10:05 a.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 9:44 a.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 9:52 a.m. (Ibid.)
Document 248: Telegram From the Embassy in Morocco to the Department of State
Rabat, June 10, 1967, 1315Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Limdis. Repeated Flash to USUN and repeated to Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, Cairo, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Amman, Kuwait, Jidda, Tel Aviv, and COMAC and CINCSTRIKE for POLADs. Received at 9:58 a.m. Passed to the White House at 9:59 a.m.
Document 249: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 10, 1967, 10 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by David L. Gamon (NEA/ARN).
Document 250: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 10, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted by Grey on July 4 and approved in M on July 4.
Document 251: Diplomatic Note From the Israeli Ambassador (Harman) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, June 10, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. No classification marking. Telegram 210130 to Tel Aviv, June 10, states that Harman had given the note to a Department official that morning. It also states that Congressional and public opinion were incensed over the attack on the USS Liberty, and that Eugene Rostow had informed Harman that morning of the great U.S. concern over the incident, “for which we can find no satisfactory explanation.” (Ibid.)
Document 252: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 10, 1967, 10:58 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. Secret. A typed notation on the message indicates it was approved by the President at 10:50 a.m., and transmitted by U.S. Molink at 10:58 a.m.
Document 253: Telegram From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief European Command (Lemnitzer)
Washington, June 10, 1967, 1522Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VI. Secret; Flash. Drafted by Captain R.L. Kopps (USN), reflecting telephoned instructions from McNamara; see Document 245. Repeated to CINCUSNAVEUR and COMSIXTHFLT.
Document 254: Message From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, June 10, 1967, 11:31 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. No classification marking. The message is labeled “Translation,” with a typed notation indicating a sight translation was made at 11:40 a.m., and the message was received by the President at 11:43 a.m. A typed notation on a copy of the message in Russian states it was transmitted by Soviet Molink at 11:31 a.m. and received by U.S. Molink at 11:34 a.m. (Ibid.)
Document 255: Message From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, June 10, 1967, 11:58 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence, USSR, Washington-Moscow “Hot-Line” Exchange, 6/5–10/67. Secret. A typed notation on the message indicates it was approved by the President at 11:54 a.m.; transmitted by U.S. Molink at 11:58 a. m.; and received by Soviet Molink at 11:59 a.m.
Document 256: Diplomatic Note From Secretary of State Rusk to the Israeli Ambassador (Harman)
Washington, June 10, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. No classification marking. A draft, nearly identical to this, with Walt Rostow's handwritten revisions, bears a handwritten notation that it was drafted by Rusk, Katzenbach, and Walt Rostow. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V) Telegram 210139 to Tel Aviv, June 10, which transmitted the text of the note, states that Eugene Rostow gave it to Harman that afternoon. (Ibid.)
Document 257: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 11, 1967, 4:24 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Drafted and approved by Grey. Also sent to USUN.
Document 258: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 10, 1967, 5:05 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, CIA Intelligence Memoranda. Top Secret; Trine.
Document 259: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 10, 1967, 1816Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. Repeated Priority to Moscow and Tel Aviv. Received at 3:41 p.m. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, and CINCSTRIKE at 6:17 p.m.
Document 260: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 10, 1967, 2145Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Received at 6:15 p.m. An advance copy was received at 6:10 p.m. and passed to the White House at 6:13 p.m.
Document 261: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, June 10, 1967, 7:31 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Sisco, cleared by Eugene Rostow and Battle, and approved by Walsh. Also sent to London and repeated to USUN.
Document 262: Editorial Note
Document 263: Memorandum From the President's Special Counsel (McPherson) to President Johnson
Washington, June 11, 1967, 9:10 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, President's Appointment File, June 1967. No classification marking. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. McPherson had just returned from a 4-day visit to Israel, following a 2-week trip to Vietnam. Also see Harry McPherson, A Political Education (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1972), pp. 413–417.
Document 264: Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Smith) to President Johnson
Washington, June 11, 1967, 5:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. Confidential. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 265: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 11, 1967, 6:52 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Atherton, cleared in draft by Davies and Houghton and in substance by Elizabeth Brown, and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated Priority to Amman, Beirut, USUN, and Jerusalem.
Document 266: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 16, 1967, 10:05 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Grey and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated to Moscow, Paris, USUN, and London.
Document 267: Diplomatic Note From the Israeli Ambassador (Harman) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, June 12, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. No classification marking. An attached action slip indicates that it was handled as Exdis. Harman gave the note to Eugene Rostow on June 12; see Document 266.
Document 268: Informal Memorandum From W. Howard Wriggins of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 12, 1967, 6 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. No classification marking. Wriggins sent a copy to Bundy.
Document 269: Notes of a Meeting of the Special Committee of the National Security Council
Washington, June 12, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. The meeting was held in the Cabinet Room of the White House. The notes are Saunders' handwritten notes of the meeting. Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs Raymond L. Garthoff and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs-Designate Paul Warnke were also present. The meeting ended at 8:52 p.m. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary) Rostow's agenda for the meeting is ibid., National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. See also Document 270.
Document 270: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Special Committee Meetings. Secret. Also see Document 269.
Document 271: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Luxembourg
Washington, June 12, 1967, 9:34 p.m.
Source National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by George M. Bennsky (NEA/UAR) and Country Director for France and Benelux Robert Anderson, cleared by Burgus and Davies, and approved by Leddy. Sent to Luxembourg for Secretary Rusk, who was there to attend a ministerial meeting of the NATO Council June 13–14. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, USUN, and DOD.
Document 272: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 12, 1967, 10:32 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Nodis. No drafter appears on the telegram; cleared by Battle, Eugene Rostow, and Walt Rostow; and approved by Katzenbach. Also sent to Luxembourg as Tosec 19 for Rusk.
Document 273: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 12, 1967, 10:37 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow on June 11, cleared by Kohler and Battle, and approved by Katzenbach. Rostow had earlier initialed Rusk's approval. Repeated to Luxembourg as Tosec 20 for Rusk.
Document 274: Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, June 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Intelligence Reports, June 20–21, 1967. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. The memorandum is one of a series: “Special Assessments on the Middle East Situation.”
Document 275: Telegram From the Embassy in Morocco to the Department of State
Rabat, June 13, 1967, 0946Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 SUDAN. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Received at 6:08 a.m. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, and CINCSTRIKE at 7:15 a.m.
Document 276: Telegram From the Defense Attaché Office in Israel to the Defense Intelligence Agency
Tel Aviv, June 13, 1967, 0835Z.
Source: National Security Agency Files, Center for Cryptologic History Historical Collection, Series VIII, Box 16d, DIA (USDAO, Tel Aviv) re Liberty. Secret; Immediate; Noforn. Repeated to COMSIXTHFLT and CINCUSNAVEUR. Received at the National Military Command Center at 1411Z.
Document 277: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 13, 1967, 1730Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Received at 3:16 p.m.
Document 278: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 13, 1967, 3:55 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. Confidential. Copies were sent to Bundy and Katzenbach. Rostow sent the memorandum and Document 279 to the President at 4:55 p.m. A handwritten “L” on Rostow's covering memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 279: Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Helms to President Johnson
Washington, June 13, 1967.
[Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File. Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. Secret. 4 pages of source text not declassified.]
Document 280: Notes of an Informal Meeting of the NSC Special Committee
Washington, June 13, 1967, 6 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Committee, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. The meeting took place in Under Secretary Katzenbach's office. The notes are Saunders' handwritten notes of the meeting. See also Document 281.
Document 281: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 13, 1967, 6 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Special Committee Meetings. Secret. See also Document 280.
Document 282: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia
Washington, June 13, 1967, 9:54 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted by Brewer on June 12; cleared by Battle, Solomon, and Director of the Office of Fuels and Energy John G. Oliver; and approved by Eugene Rostow. Also sent to Kuwait and repeated to Dhahran and London.
Document 283: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 13, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. V. Secret. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 284: Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, June 13, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, CIA Intelligence Memoranda. Top Secret; Trine; No Foreign Dissem. Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Intelligence. A covering memorandum from Helms to the President states that it was the “special study” he had requested the previous evening. Helms' notes of the June 12 meeting of the NSC Special Committee indicate that the President requested a “special study on strafing & torpedoing of USS Liberty—pilot conversations, etc.—everything we can get—NSA, etc.” (Central Intelligence Agency Files, DCI Files: Job 80–B01285A, Box 11, Folder 12, DCI (Helms) Miscellaneous Notes of Meetings, 1 Jan 1966–31 Dec 1968) Rostow sent a preliminary version of this report to the President at 12:45 p.m. on June 13 with a covering memorandum calling it “CIA's first cut at the problem” and noting, “They do not find evidence of U.S. identification before the attack.” (Ibid.)
Document 285: Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Hughes) to Acting Secretary of State Katzenbach
Washington, June 13, 1967.
Source: NSA Archives, PCG, ACC 33824, USS Liberty Incident. Top Secret; Trine.
Document 286: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 16, 1967, 11 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; NATUS. Drafted and approved by Eugene Rostow. Also sent to USUN and repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, Tehran, Kuwait, Jidda, Rabat, Tunis, and Rawalpindi.
Document 287: Notes of a Meeting of the NSC Special Committee
Washington, June 14, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. The meeting was held in the Cabinet Room at the White House. The notes are Saunders' handwritten notes of the meeting. The President's Daily Diary indicates that the meeting ended at 8:25 p.m. It lists NSC staff member Roger Morris and John Devine among those present, in addition to those listed here. (Johnson Library) See also Document 288. Bundy sent an agenda to the President earlier that day, with attached outlines of a possible statement to the United Nations, headed “Another Possible Outline,” “Rostow Draft Summary,” and “Sisco Draft Summary.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Special Committee #1) A notation on another copy of “Another Possible Outline” indicates it was drafted by Bundy. (Ibid., Special Committee Meetings)
Document 288: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 14, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Committee, Special Committee Meetings. Secret. Drafted on June 15; also see Document 287.
Document 289: Telegram From the Defense Attache Office in Israel to the White House
Tel Aviv, June 15, 1967, 1130Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Liberty. Confidential. Also sent to OSD, CNO, Department of State, COMSIXTHFLT, CINCSTRIKE, CINCUSNAVEUR, JCS, DIA, USUN, CINCEUR/USEUCOM, CTG 60.2, USAFE, CINCUSAREUR, and CTG 60.
Document 290: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 15, 1967, 1200Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Received at 9:58 a.m. Rostow sent a copy to the President at 5:30 p.m. with a covering memorandum commenting that “a process of realism is beginning to set in in Tel Aviv just as the initial rigid Arab position is beginning to show some cracks. With time and patience on our part—and a lot of behind-the-scenes work with both the Arabs and Israel—something constructive might still emerge.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VI)
Document 291: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 15, 1967, 5:10 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Judd and approved in S on June 27. The meeting was held in the Secretary's office.
Document 292: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 15, 1967, 2113Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US. Confidential; Exdis. Received at 6:19 p.m. Rostow sent a copy to the President at 7:40 a.m. on June 16 with a covering memorandum commenting: “Herewith UAR begins to toss an anchor to windward and tries to open a dialogue with us.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VI)
Document 293: Memorandum for the Special Committee
Washington, June 15, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Committee, Special Committee Meetings. Secret. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. It is apparently the status report prepared in the Department of State cited on Walt Rostow's agenda for the meeting. (Ibid., Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VI)
Document 294: Notes of a Meeting of the NSC Special Committee
Washington, June 15, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. The meeting was held in the Cabinet room at the White House. The notes are Saunders' handwritten notes of the meeting. The meeting ended at 8:15 p.m. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary)
Document 295: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 15, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. Secret.
Document 296: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, June 15, 1967, 10:32 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Houghton, cleared by Davies and the NSC Special Committee, and approved by Battle.
Document 297: Draft Briefing by Director of Central Intelligence Helms for the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
Washington, June 14, 1967.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI Executive Registry Files: Job 80–R01580, Box 10, Folder 210, President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Nine annexes are filed with this draft briefing, including a chronology of the crisis, a chronology of the Arab-Israeli Task Force established May 23; and copies of other memoranda entitled: “Overall Arab-Israeli Military Capabilities,” May 23; “Israeli Intelligence Estimate of the Israeli-Arab Crisis,” May 25; Office of National Estimates memorandum “The Middle Eastern Crisis,” May 26; “Military Capabilities of Israel and the Arab States,” May 26 (Document 76); “The Current Focus of the Near East Crisis,” June 3; [text not declassified]. The package is filed with a letter from J. Patrick Coyne of the President's Foreign Intelligence Board indicating that he and General Taylor had reviewed it. The briefing was prepared for a PFIAB meeting on June 15–16. No minutes of the meeting have been found.
Document 298: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, June 15, 1967.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DDI Files: Job 80–R01447R, PFIAB Correspondence, 1967–1968. Secret. Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency. Copies were sent to the Director of Central Intelligence, Deputy Director of Central Intelligence, Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate for Plans, Directorate of Science and Technology, and the Special Assistant for Vietnamese Affairs.
Document 299: Memorandum From the Chairman of the Central Intelligence Agency's Board of National Estimates (Kent) to Director of Central Intelligence Helms
Washington, June 15, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VI. Secret. Prepared in the Office of National Estimates of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Document 300: Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State
Amman, June 16, 1967, 1326Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Repeated to Rabat, Tunis, USUN, Beirut, Jerusalem, Tripoli, Tel Aviv, Khartoum, Kuwait, and Jidda. Received at 10:28 a.m. and passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, and CINCSTRIKE at 11:45 a.m.
Document 301: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 16, 1967, 3:05–3:55 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, USSR, Dobrynin-Thompson Conversations, Vol. II. Secret; Exdis. The memorandum is part 2 of 3. Walt Rostow sent all three parts to the President on June 19, with a note stating that he had already been informed of the conversation but might like to see the full record. The time of the meeting is from Rusk's Appointment Book. (Ibid.)
Document 302: Telegram From President Johnson to Prime Minister Wilson
Washington, June 16, 1967, 1959Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Middle East Crisis, Vol. 3. Secret; Nodis. The text was sent to the Embassy in London in telegram 212063, June 16. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARABfISR)
Document 303: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 16, 1967, 10:30 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by Wolle, cleared by Atherton, and approved by Carroll Brown (S/S). Repeated Priority to USUN, Jerusalem, Kuwait, Jidda, Beirut, Amman, and London.
Document 304: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, June 16, 1967, 10:03 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 12–5 ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Marshall W. Wiley (NEA/ARN) and Houghton; cleared by Hoopes, Director for Operations in the Office of Politico-Military Affairs Joseph J. Wolf, Atherton, and Davies; and approved by Eugene Rostow.
Document 305: Paper Submitted by the Control Group to the Special Committee of the National Security Council
Washington, undated.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. The paper, unsigned and undated, was sent to McGeorge Bundy on June 19 by Executive Secretary of the Control Group John J. Walsh with a covering memorandum transmitting two papers submitted by the Control Group to the Special Committee. The second paper, headed “The Arms Supply Question and the UN,” undated, is not printed. Both papers were revised and approved for transmission to the Special Committee by the Control Group on June 17. (Minutes of 22nd Control Group meeting, June 17, 11 a.m.; ibid., Office of the Executive Secretariat, Middle East Crisis Files, 1967, Entry 5190, Box 17, Minutes/Decisions of the Control Group, Folder 1)
Document 306: Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Rusk and the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 17, 1967, 5:50 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls. No classification marking. The notes were prepared by Mildred J. Asbjornson, Rusk's secretary.
Document 307: Telegram From the Defense Attaché Office in Israel to the White House
Tel Aviv, June 18, 1967, 1030Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Liberty. Confidential. Also sent to OSD, CNO, Department of State, COMSIXTHFLT, CINCSTRIKE, CINCNAVEUR, JCS, DIA, USUN, CINCEUR/USEUCOM, CTG 60.2, USAFE, CINCUSAREUR, CTG 60, USDAO London, USDAO Paris, and USDAO Moscow. Received at the Department of State at 8:22 a.m.
Document 308: Editorial Note
Document 309: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 20, 1967, 1 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Rostow. The meeting was held at the Madison Hotel.
Document 310: Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the NSC Special Committee (Bundy) to the Members of the Committee
Washington, June 20, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. Secret.
Document 311: Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the NSC Special Committee (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, June 21, 1967, 3:55 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 312: Memorandum of Conversation
New York, June 21, 1967, 5:30 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR–US. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Bergus and approved by Harriman on June 30. The meeting took place at the Waldorf Towers during the Fifth Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Document 313: Notes of Meeting of the Special Committee of the National Security Council
Washington, June 21, 1967, 6:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes. No classification marking. The meeting was held in the Cabinet Room at the White House. Notes are the handwritten notes of Harold H. Saunders. The President joined the meeting from 6:50 p.m. until 7:06 p.m. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary) Bundy's memorandum for the record, June 21, states: “1. The President agreed to see King Hussein if he comes to the United Nations. 2. The President agreed that we should let it be known quietly that we do not consider General De Gaulle an acceptable mediator of a Mid–East solution.” (Ibid., National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Minutes and Notes)
Document 314: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 22, 1967, 0455Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to Tel Aviv. Received at 3:27 a.m. Passed to the White House at 3:44 a.m. Secretary Rusk was in New York June 19–June 23 to attend the Special Session of the UN General Assembly.
Document 315: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 22, 1967, 0455Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 2:18 a.m. A typed and slightly paraphrased version was sent to the President by Arthur McCafferty at 7:15 a.m. 5841/Secto 9. Eyes Only for President and Acting Secretary.
Document 316: Telegram From the Embassy in Morocco to the Department of State
Rabat, June 21, 1967, 1148Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Repeated to Algiers, Tunis, COMAC for POLAD, CINCUSNAVEUR, USCINCEUR for POLAD, USUN, Amman, Beirut, Jidda, Kuwait, London, Moscow, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Tripoli. Received at 5:36 a.m. on June 22.
Document 317: Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, June 21, 1967.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files: Job 85–01007R, Box 5, Folder 50. Top Secret; Trine. Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Intelligence.
Document 318: Notes of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Rusk and Robert B. Anderson
New York, June 22, 1967, 10:30 a.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls. No classification marking. The notes were prepared by Carolyn J. Proctor. Rusk was at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.
Document 319: Telegram From the Director of the National Security Agency (Carter) to the White House
Washington, June 22, 1967, 1454Z.
Source: National Security Agency, NSA Archives, Accession No. 45981, U.S.S. Liberty Correspondence and Messages, 1965–1968. Secret; Savin.
Document 320: Editorial Note
Document 321: Memorandum of Conversation
Glassboro, New Jersey, June 23, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 US. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Walt Rostow and approved on July 5. Secretary Rusk and Foreign Minister Gromyko were in Glassboro with President Johnson and Soviet Premier Kosygin for their summit meeting, held at “Hollybush,” the residence of the president of Glassboro State College. This meeting was held while Johnson and Kosygin had the meeting described in Document 320.
Document 322: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 23, 1967, noon.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. The memorandum is part 1 of 4. Drafted by Shullaw and approved in M June 28. The meeting was held in Rostow's office.
Document 323: Editorial Note
Document 324: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, June 26, 1967, 2:45 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VII. Secret. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates it was received at 3:30 p.m.
Document 325: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, June 26, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Office of the President File, McGeorge Bundy. No classification marking.
Document 326: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, June 27, 1967, 1150Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 12 ISR. Secret; Limdis. Repeated to US Mission Geneva, and USUN. Received at 9:03 a.m.
Document 327: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 27, 1967, 1630Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Received at 12:43.
Document 328: Memorandum of Conversation
New York, June 27, 1967, 7 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Akalovsky and approved in S/S on June 29. The memorandum is part II of II. The meeting took place at the Soviet Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Document 329: Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Katzenbach to President Johnson
Washington, June 27, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Jordan, Visit of King Hussein, 6/28/67. Secret. No drafting information appears on the memorandum.
Document 330: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, June 27, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Jordan, Visit of King Hussein, 6/28/67. Secret. Sent through Walt Rostow.
Document 331: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, June 28, 1967, 1:30–3:10 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Noforn; Nodis. Drafted by Burns. The time is from the President's Daily Diary. (Johnson Library)
Document 332: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, June 29, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VII. Confidential. A copy was sent to Bundy.
Document 333: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, June 30, 1967, 6:13 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted by Wolle and Eugene Rostow, cleared by Handley, and approved by Rostow. Repeated to London, Paris, Amman, The Hague, Jerusalem, and USUN.
Document 334: Memorandum From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, June 29, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East 092. Secret; Sensitive.
Document 335: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, June 30, 1967, 0336Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Received at 12:17 a.m. Passed to the White House at 1:05 a.m. Rostow sent the text to the President in CAP 67610, June 30, noting that Hussein was trying to reconcile the simple withdrawal resolution with non–belligerence. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt Rostow, Vol. 32)
Document 336: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia
Washington, July 1, 1967, 5:49 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret. Drafted by Country Director for Saudi Arabia William D. Brewer, cleared by Davies, and approved for transmission by Robert L. Bruce (S/S). Repeated to Dhahran, Beirut, Amman, Tripoli, Tunis, and Rabat.
Document 337: Memorandum From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, July 1, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2467. Top Secret; Sensitive. A stamped notation on the source text indicates that it was received in the office of the Secretary of Defense at 1431 hours, July 1; another notation, July 17, indicates the Secretary saw it.
Document 338: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, July 2, 1967, 1130Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Jerusalem, and USUN. Received at 9:25 a.m. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, and CINCSTRIKE at 10:55 a.m.
Document 339: Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Hughes) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, July 3, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 15 UAR. Top Secret; Nodis. No drafting information appears on the memorandum.
Document 340: Action Memorandum From the Control Group to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, undated.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Committee, Minutes of the Control Group Meetings. Confidential. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Eugene V. Rostow initialed the memorandum, which he sent to Bundy with a handwritten note of July 4 stating that Rusk and Katzenbach had not yet cleared the idea or the text. Bundy's handwritten note on the memorandum states that he had cleared it.
Document 341: Telegram From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, July 4, 1967, 1528Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, U.S. Position—Discussion. Secret. Received at the LBJ Ranch at 12:04 p.m. A handwritten note of July 4 by Jim Jones on the telegram indicates that the President approved releasing the $2 million mentioned in paragraph 3, agreed with everything in the message, and wanted to express his gratitude for the job Bundy had done. An attached note indicates that Bundy was notified at 2:20 p.m. July 4.
Document 342: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 5, 1967, 1717Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Repeated Immediate to Moscow. Received at 1:55 p.m. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, and CINCSTRIKE at 2:35 p.m. Rostow sent the text to the President at the LBJ Ranch in CAP 67668, noting, “Herewith the Russians ask for forty–eight hours to try to salvage something from their setback. We are going along because it can't effectively be opposed.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VII)
Document 343: Memorandum of Conversation
New York, July 5, 1967, 6:30–7:45 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VII. Confidential. The meeting was held at the Plaza Hotel. Rostow initialed the top of page 1.
Document 344: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to All Posts
Washington, July 5, 1967, 8:55 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Confidential. Drafted by Popper and Eugene Rostow, cleared by Meeker and in substance by Davies, and approved by Rostow. Also sent to the U.S. Missions at Geneva and USUN and repeated to Jerusalem.
Document 345: Telegram From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson in Texas
Washington, July 6, 1967, 1855Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt W. Rostow, Vol. 33. Secret.
Document 346: Telegram From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson in Texas
Washington, July 6, 1967, 2058Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Committee, Whirlwind. Secret. Received at the LBJ Ranch at 4:40 p.m. A handwritten note by Jim Jones on the telegram, July 6 at 5:30 p.m., recorded Johnson's instruction: “Be sure Anderson gets w/Bundy immediately & see what steps we should be taking.” Another note, July 6, indicates that Jones told Rostow.
Document 347: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 8, 1967, 3 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Kohler and approved in S on July 10. Another memorandum covering the conversation was on the subject of arms limitation in the Middle East. According to this, Rusk raised the subject of the desirability of limiting the supply of arms to Israel and the Arab countries. He said the United States was not trying to freeze the situation as it was June 12 after the Arab arms losses, but thought it would be important if the Soviets, British, and French could agree not to contribute to a renewed arms race in the Middle East. He asked, “What are the Soviet Union's real purposes in the area?” He noted that Moscow was supporting regimes they call “progressive,” in Algiers, Egypt, and Syria and asked if Moscow was “out to topple the conservative governments.” Dobrynin replied that the Soviets were prepared to sell arms to Jordan and Morocco. (Ibid., POL 27 ARAB–ISR)
Document 348: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 9, 1967, 2023Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VII. Secret; Limdis. Repeated to Moscow. Received at the White House at 2353. The telegram was sent to the President on July 10 at 8:30 a.m. with a covering memorandum from Walt Rostow that reads: “Herewith Dobrynin, having sounded out Sec. Rusk on the steadiness of our position, probes Amb. Goldberg in a highly civilized way, looking for one compromise or another on a Middle East resolution.” (Ibid.) A handwritten “L” on the telegram indicates the President saw it.
Document 349: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, July 12, 1967, 1200Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. The date of transmission is incorrect; the telegram was received on July 11 at 9:31 a.m.
Document 350: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, July 11, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Arms Limits. Secret. Sent through Walt Rostow. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates it was seen by the President. Bundy sent a copy to McNamara with a July 11 covering memorandum noting that it might be relevant at the Wednesday luncheon meeting of the President's Tuesday luncheon group scheduled for July 12. Bundy's memorandum to McNamara states that he had tried to make the three recommendations to the President consistent with the discussions Bundy and McNamara had had earlier. (Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East 092)
Document 351: Memorandum From Peter Jessup of the National Security Council Staff to Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff
Washington, July 11, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VII. Top Secret. Also sent to Bundy and Rostow.
Document 352: Diplomatic Note From Secretary of State Rusk to the Israeli Ambassador (Harman)
Washington, June 10, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. No classification marking. The note, dated June 10, is a revised version of Document 256. It was revised by Katzenbach, Meeker, and Walt Rostow on July 11. Most of the revisions were made to correct incorrect times and incorrect statements in the original note. According to a handwritten note by Wriggins on a copy of the draft revised note, Rostow cleared it and deleted the word “wanton.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Saunders Files, Israel, 6/l/67–10/31/67) The note is filed, together with Document 383, and a covering memorandum of July 20 from Walsh to Walt Rostow stating that they constituted the true, corrected versions of the exchange and that all other copies should be destroyed. Battle gave the revised note to Harman on July 11. In discussing the incident, Battle emphasized the “irate reaction” that the incident produced in Congress and the continuing strong interest of many members of Congress in the outcome of the investigations into its cause. (Airgram A–15 to Tel Aviv, July 14; National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR)
Document 353: Editorial Note
Document 354: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts
Washington, July 12, 1967, 8:26 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Eugene Rostow on July 11; cleared by Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs J. Wayne Fredericks, Davies, and Wriggins; and approved by Rusk. Sent to Amman, Jidda, Kuwait, Beirut, Rabat, Tunis, Tripoli, Tel Aviv, London, Paris, USUN, Tehran, Rawalpindi, Djakarta, New Delhi, Ankara, Tokyo, Belgrade, Moscow, Sofia, Rome, Madrid, Brussels, and Bonn.
Document 355: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 13, 1967, 0059Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Confidential; Limdis. Received at 10:14 p.m. on July 12.
Document 356: Memorandum From W. Howard Wriggins of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) and the President's Special Consultant (Bundy)
Washington, July 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. Secret.
Document 357: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, July 13, 1967, 10:30 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. Confidential. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates it was received at 11 a.m.; a handwritten “L” indicates the President saw it.
Document 358: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 14, 1967, 0131Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Received on July 13 at 10:34 p.m.
Document 359: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Morocco
Washington, July 13, 1967, 10:34 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow and Brewer; cleared by Battle, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs William C. Trimble, and Kohler; and approved by Rusk.
Document 360: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations
Washington, July 13, 1967, 11:06 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind. Top Secret; Flash; Nodis; Sandstorm. The telegram indicates Battle as the drafter and that the text was revised at the White House; cleared by Walt Rostow; and approved by Rusk. Repeated Flash to Tel Aviv. “Sandstorm” is written by hand on the telegram. Telegram 6593 to Tel Aviv and USUN, July 14, stated that all cable traffic relating to telegram 6581 should be designated Nodis; Sandstorm, because the Department wished to give it maximum security. (Ibid.)
Document 361: Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, July 13, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. Secret. Sent to the President with a covering memorandum of July 14 from Walt Rostow. A handwritten “L” on Rostow's memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 362: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, July 14, 1967, 11:30 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. No classification marking. Sent through Walt Rostow.
Document 363: Memorandum From the President's Deputy Press Secretary (Johnson) to President Johnson
Washington, July 14, 1967, 12:30–12:51 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Tom Johnson's Notes of Meetings, Box 1. Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted July 14 at 6:10 p.m. Brief notes of the meeting by Wriggins are ibid., National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, #2, July 1–31, 1967. Concerning the topic of Resuming Diplomatic Relations with Selected Arab Countries, they read: “The President agreed that the Department should be flexible on this and proceed where there seemed to be opportunities or interest. The first instance would be the Sudan.”
Document 364: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 14, 1967, 1907Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind. Top Secret; Flash; Nodis; Sandstorm. Repeated Flash to Tel Aviv. Received at 3:44 p.m.
Document 365: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 14, 1967, 4 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL JORDAN–US. Secret; Noforn. Drafted by Wiley and approved in S on July 20. The time of the meeting is from Rusk's Appointment Book. (Johnson Library)
Document 366: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, July 14, 1967, 2135Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind. Top Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Sandstorm. Repeated to USUN. Received at 7:17 p.m.
Document 367: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 15, 1967, 11 a.m.–12:03 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Top Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Davies. The time of the meeting is from Rusk's Appointment Book. (Johnson Library) Eban met with Eugene Rostow over lunch. Rostow stated that the preceding weeks had demonstrated the need for consultation on a continuing basis on subjects in which both sides had a vital interest and in which the United States could be drawn into “difficult situations” as a result of Israeli actions. Pressed for an example, he cited Israel's actions with respect to Jerusalem. Eban said that Israel had also learned lessons from the preceding weeks; the Israeli Government “now recognized that it had no real alternative to self-reliance militarily.” (Memorandum of conversation, July 15; National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR)
Document 368: Memorandum of Meeting
Washington, July 15, 1967, noon.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Nodis. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. The meeting is also recorded in a July 15 memorandum from Wriggins to Walt Rostow and Bundy, which lists the participants as Ambassador Burns, Katzenbach, Eugene Rostow, and Kohler. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII)
Document 369: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 15, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. Secret. Drafted on July 17. Sent to the President on July 17 with a brief covering note by Rostow. A handwritten “L” on Rostow's note indicates the President saw it.
Document 370: Memorandum of Meeting
Washington, July 16, 1967, noon.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Nodis. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. The meeting is also recorded in a July 16 memorandum from Wriggins to Walt Rostow and Bundy, which describes it as a meeting of the “inner circle of the Control Group”—Katzenbach, Eugene Rostow, Battle, Kohler, and Wriggins, plus Walsh and Burns. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII)
Document 371: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey
Washington, July 16, 1967, 3:51 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Battle on July 15, cleared by Davies and Berg, and approved by Katzenbach.
Document 372: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 17, 1967, 2345Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Moscow, Tel Aviv, and the White House. Received at 8:58 p.m. and passed to the White House at 11:18 p.m.
Document 373: Memorandum From the Chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (Clifford) to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, July 18, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Intelligence Cables. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Rostow forwarded the memorandum to the President on July 18 at 5:40 p.m. with a covering note stating that it was Clifford's “brief but definitive analysis” of the attack on the Liberty, and was “based on the study of literally thousands of pages of evidence.” A handwritten “L” on Rostow's note indicates the President saw it.
Document 374: Paper Prepared by the President's Special Consultant (Bundy)
Washington, July 18, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Settlement. Secret.
Document 375: Notes of Meeting
Washington, July 18, 1967, 6:06–7:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Tom Johnson's Notes of Meetings, Box 1. The document bears no classification marking but is marked Literally Eyes Only. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Room at the White House.
Document 376: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 18, 1967, 8:20 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. Confidential. Rostow sent the memorandum to the President with a covering memorandum of July 18. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 377: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 20, 1967, 0449Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Moscow and the White House. Received on July 20 at 2:12 a.m. The telegram contains handwritten corrections based on a cabled correction. (Ibid.) Rostow forwarded a copy of telegram 290 to the President on July 20 with a covering note commenting that the essence of Goldberg's report was that “the Soviets would like to find an agreed formula on the Middle East but they cannot bring around the extreme Arabs.” He added that Goldberg particularly wanted the President to read the cable. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt Rostow)
Document 378: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at Geneva
Washington, July 19, 1967, 7:45 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US. Top Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Whirlwind. Drafted by Bergus, cleared by Eugene Rostow and Battle, and approved by Katzenbach.
Document 379: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 21, 1967, 0123Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 17 US–UAR. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Received on July 20 at 10:28 p.m.
Document 380: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 21, 1967, 0124Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Immediate to the White House and Moscow. Received on July 20 at 10:25 p.m. Passed to the White House at 11:10 p.m. Rostow sent a copy to the President on July 21 at 9:35 a.m. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis)
Document 381: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, July 21, 1967, 7:48 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Nodis; Sandstorm. Drafted by Wolle and approved by Battle.
Document 382: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, July 20, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind. Secret; Nodis; Sandstorm. Rostow sent the memorandum to the President at 6:20 p.m. with a covering memorandum of July 20 noting that the Rusk proposal was “designed to protect the U.S., while still permitting us to follow the negotiation closely; insert ideas; and throw our diplomatic weight at the right moment.” A handwritten “L” on the Rostow memorandum indicates the President saw it. A handwritten note of July 21 by Saunders on a copy of the Rostow memorandum states that the President had approved and asked that McNamara be briefed. It continues: “He was a little jumpy about the American lawyer but said OK.” (Ibid., Saunders Files, Jordan, 4/l/66–10/31/67)
Document 383: Diplomatic Note From the Israeli Ambassador (Harman) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, June 12, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. No classification marking. The note is a revised version of Document 267. The note is filed, together with Document 352, and a covering memorandum of July 20 from Walsh to Walt Rostow stating that they constituted the true, corrected versions of the exchange and that all other copies should be destroyed.
Document 384: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, July 22, 1967, 0207Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Also sent to the White House and repeated Priority to Moscow.
Document 385: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, July 21, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, U.S. Position-Discussion. No classification marking. Sent through and initialed by Walt Rostow. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates it was received at 4:45 p.m., and the President saw it.
Document 386: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, July 21, 1967, 7:10 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Priority; Nodis; Sandstorm. Drafted by Houghton, cleared by Battle and Walt Rostow, and approved by Katzenbach. Repeated to London for the Ambassador.
Document 387: Letter From Secretary of State Rusk to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, July 22, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72A 2468, Israel 400. Secret; Exclusive Distribution. Received in the Office of the Secretary of Defense on July 24 at 9:29 a.m.
Document 388: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, July 24, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. Secret.
Document 389: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 24, 1967, 12:30 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Limdis. Drafted by Kohler and approved by Walsh.
Document 390: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, July 25, 1967, 0139Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Sandstorm. Drafted by Eugene Rostow on July 24; cleared by Katzenbach, Kohler, Battle, and Bundy; and approved by Rusk. Repeated to London.
Document 391: Editorial Note
Document 392: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 27, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Kohler. The memorandum is part II of IV.
Document 393: Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State
Amman, July 28, 1967, 1512Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Sandstorm. Received at 2:32 p.m.
Document 394: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 28, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Bovis on August 3 and approved by Battle.
Document 395: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
Washington, August 1, 1967, 0030Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret. Drafted by Eugene Rostow's Special Assistant Alan R. Novak on July 29, cleared by Battle and Popper and by telephone by Sisco, and approved by Eugene Rostow. Also sent to Moscow and USUN and repeated to Copenhagen, Monrovia, New Delhi, Oslo, Paris, and Tel Aviv.
Document 396: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, July 29, 1967, 1847Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Atherton; cleared by Battle, Barbour, Sisco, and Walt Rostow; and approved by Rusk. The President approved the draft cable on July 29. Rostow sent it to him on July 28 with a covering memorandum noting that it stated U.S. policy for Israeli consumption and for internal guidance. He concluded, “Barbour participated in the drafting of the cable and he and I think it is consistent with your own thinking, though perhaps less pungently phrased than you would do it. Since a cable that is used for external and internal distribution has fairly wide distribution, this is probably just as well.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis)
Document 397: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, July 30, 1967, 1638Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 SUDAN. Confidential. Drafted by Houghton on July 28; cleared in draft by former Ambassador to Iraq Robert C. Strong, Ambassador to Libya David D. Newsom, and Country Director for North Africa John F. Root, and by Eugene Rostow and Battle; and approved by Rusk. Also sent to Beirut, Jidda, Kuwait, Tripoli, Tunis, and Rabat. The handwritten revisions on the telegram noted below appear to be Rusk's.
Document 398: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 30, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. VIII. Confidential; Sensitive; Very Limited Distribution. Drafted by Rostow on July 31. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates that copies were sent to Bundy and Saunders. A copy was sent to the Department of State with a covering memorandum of July 31 from Rostow to Benjamin Read.
Document 399: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, July 31, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, U.S. Position—Discussion. Secret. Sent through Walt Rostow.
Document 400: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
Washington, August 1, 1967, 1638Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Sisco and Popper on July 31; cleared in draft by Stoessel (EUR), Kohler, and Battle; and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated to USUN.
Document 401: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at Geneva
Washington, August 1, 1967, 1901Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US. Top Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Whirlwind. Drafted by Battle on July 31; cleared by Eugene Rostow, Kohler, and Saunders; and approved by Katzenbach. Saunders sent a draft of this telegram to Walt Rostow with an August 1 memorandum recommending clearance and stating that Bundy agreed; a handwritten “OK” appears on the memorandum. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind)
Document 402: Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate General at Jerusalem
Washington, August 1, 1967, 2236Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted and approved by Atherton and cleared by Grey. Repeated to Amman, Tel Aviv, USUN, Beirut, Jidda, Tunis, Tripoli, Rabat, Kuwait, Rome, Rawalpindi, Tehran, Kuala Lumpur, Djakarta, and London.
Document 403: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, August 1, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, ISA Files: FRC 330 76–140, A/I/S, 2–12–6, 1967 Crisis Special File. Secret. Drafted by Townsend Hoopes. Copies were sent to Nitze, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Paul C. Warnke, and Colonel Amos A. Jordan, Jr., Regional Director for Near East and South Asia in Warnke's Office.
Document 404: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, August 2, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR/US. Top Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Battle on August 3. Rusk's initials with a line drawn through them appear on the memorandum indicating that he read it; and a note on the memorandum states that Battle had reported the conversation briefly at the staff meeting the previous day. Saunders sent a copy to Bundy with an attached note stating that Battle regarded this “as more serious than other feelers, but still doesn't think it comes from Nasser.” Since Battle “doesn't think we can offer much” he was not eager to talk, but Eugene Rostow had sent a memorandum to Rusk recommending an expression of willingness to talk in Geneva. (Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Whirlwind)
Document 405: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, August 4, 1967, 0001Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Nodis; Sandstorm. Drafted by Atherton, cleared by Battle, and approved by Rostow. Repeated to Amman and London.
Document 406: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, August 3, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. IX. Secret.
Document 407: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey
Washington, August 4, 1967, 2208Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 17 US–UAR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow and Battle, cleared by Sisco, and approved by Rusk.
Document 408: Telegram From the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, August 7, 1967, 0946Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret. Received at 1534Z.
Document 409: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, August 7, 1967, 1030Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Received on August 9 at 0759Z.
Document 410: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia
Washington, August 9, 1967, 0103Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Eugene Rostow; cleared by Battle, Sisco, Harriman, Stoessel, Meeker, and Walt Rostow; and approved by Katzenbach. Repeated Priority to London, Tel Aviv, Moscow, and USUN.
Document 411: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, August 9, 1967, 0134Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/SANDSTORM. Secret; Priority; Nodis; Sandstorm. Drafted by Eugene Rostow on July 31; cleared by Battle, Walt Rostow, Kohler, and Katzenbach; and approved by Rusk. Repeated Priority to London and Amman. The telegram includes handwritten revisions, apparently in Rusk's handwriting. Bundy sent the draft telegram to the President on August 1, with a memorandum stating that Rusk wanted him to see it and that it was designed “to keep the attention of the Israelis on the need not to freeze the status quo either in fact or in their bargaining positions.” Rostow forwarded it to the President with an August 2 memorandum, concurring in Bundy's recommendation and commenting that he thought “we shall have to find a way not merely to get a reasonable Jerusalem position out of the Israelis but also a way of letting Hussein know such a position exists, before he will put his stack into a negotiation.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol IX)
Document 412: Telegram From the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, August 10, 1967, 0858Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US. Secret; Exdis.
Document 413: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations
Washington, August 11, 1967, 0104Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by Sisco on August 10. Cleared by Battle and James W. Pratt (EUR/SOV), approved by Eugene Rostow, and repeated to Moscow and Tel Aviv.
Document 414: Special National Intelligence Estimate
Washington, August 10, 1967.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 79–R01012A, ODDI Registry of NIE and SNIE Files. Secret; Controlled Dissem. According to the cover sheet, the estimate was submitted by the Director of Central Intelligence, and concurred in by the U.S. Intelligence Board on August 10. The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense and National Security Agency participated in its preparation. The CIA, State, Defense, and NSA representatives on the USIB concurred; the AEC and FBI representatives abstained because the subject was outside their jurisdiction.
Document 415: Memorandum From the President's Special Consultant (Bundy) to President Johnson
Washington, August 11, 1967, 4 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary. Secret. The memorandum is marked to be sent through Walt Rostow, but Rostow did not initial it. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates that the President saw it.
Document 416: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, August 12, 1967, 0051Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Lambrakis on August 11; cleared by Atherton, Houghton, and Grey; and approved by Davies. Repeated to Jerusalem, Amman, Beirut, and London.
Document 417: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations
Washington, August 12, 1967, 2118Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Sisco and Brown, cleared by David L. Gamon (NEA/ARN), and approved by Sisco. Repeated to London, Tel Aviv, and Moscow.
Document 418: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, August 15, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Files of Harold H. Saunders, Israel, 6/1/67–10/31/67. Secret; Nodis. The memorandum is filed with a covering memorandum of August 17 from Saunders to Battle stating that Bundy “did not want any papers to circulate on the arrangement he made with Evron on the $3 million release” but that Saunders thought Battle should “have the flavor of the attached and then throw this memo away.”
Document 419: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk and Secretary of Defense McNamara to President Johnson
Washington, August 15, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 19–8 US–NEAR E. Secret; Nodis.
Document 420: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, August 16, 1967, 0945Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to London, Moscow, and USUN. Received at 1042Z. Saunders sent a retyped copy to the President with an August 18 memorandum noting that it was the Israeli answer to Goldberg's discussion of a possible UN resolution. He commented that a notion of impending confrontation was creeping into U.S.-Israeli conversations and added: “Some Israelis remember 1957 when we eventually put the heat on them to withdraw, and they see our military aid suspension as evidence that we may be preparing a similar move this time. The ugliness of the threat in paragraph 12 [paragraph 11 in the original telegram] suggests that they expect the worst.” A handwritten note from Rostow on the memorandum recommended that the President read the full text of the telegram. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis)
Document 421: Telegram From the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, August 17, 1967, 0901Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Received at 1451Z.
Document 422: Special National Intelligence Estimate
Washington, August 17, 1967.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 79–R01012A, ODDI Registry of NIE and SNIE Files. Secret; Controlled Dissem. Submitted by the Director of Central Intelligence and concurred in by the U.S. Intelligence Board on August 17. The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense and National Security Agency participated in its preparation. The CIA, State, Defense, and NSA representatives on the USIB concurred; the AEC and FBI representatives abstained, because the subject was outside their jurisdiction. The title on the first page is “The Situation and Prospects in the UAR”; the title used is from the cover sheet.
Document 423: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, August 19, 1967, 0108Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Popper, cleared by Battle, and approved by Eugene Rostow. Also sent Immediate to London, Moscow, and USUN.
Document 424: Draft Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Battle) to the Under Secretary of State (Katzenbach)
Washington, August 18, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Middle East, 385.3. Confidential. Drafted by Wehmeyer; cleared by Macomber, Deputy Legal Adviser Murray J. Belman, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Dixon Donnelley, and Eugene Rostow. The draft, which is a copy sent to the Department of Defense for clearance, is filed with an August 22 letter from Nitze to Representative George H. Mahon of Texas, sending him on a confidential basis a copy of the report of the judge who presided over the preliminary Israeli inquiry into the attack on the Liberty. Also attached are a note to Nitze stating that Defense clearance on Battle's memorandum was requested, an August 21 memorandum from Nitze's military assistant, Commander C.A.H. Trost, USN, to Warnke saying that Nitze had no objection to the proposal but wanted Warnke to look at it, and an August 21 memorandum from Warnke to Nitze questioning recommendation (6) but otherwise approving the proposal. A handwritten comment by Hoopes on Warnke's memorandum suggested deleting recommendation (7) but otherwise concurred.
Document 425: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, August 21, 1967, 0900Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Jerusalem, London, and USUN.
Document 426: Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts
Washington, August 24, 1967, 0132Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 SUDAN. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Eugene Rostow, Sterner, Davies, and James E. Akins of the Office of Fuels and Energy and approved by Eugene Rostow. Sent to Amman, Beirut, Jidda, and Kuwait and repeated to Cairo, USUN, London, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem.
Document 427: Memorandum From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, August 25, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330 72 A 2468, Israel, 400. Secret.
Document 428: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, August 26, 1967, 0153Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 SUDAN. Secret; Priority; NATUS; Limdis. Drafted by Betty-Jane Jones in the Office of United Nations Political Affairs on August 25, cleared by Popper and Davies, and approved by Eugene Rostow. Also sent Priority to Beirut, Jidda, and Kuwait and repeated to Cairo, USUN, London, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem.
Document 429: Telegram From the Department of State to the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic
Washington, August 26, 1967, 0204Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Parker and Eugene Rostow on August 25; cleared by Davies, Battle, and Popper; and approved by Rostow.
Document 430: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, August 28, 1967, 1520Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to London, Moscow, and USUN.
Document 431: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, August 29, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Vol. IX. Secret. Rostow sent the memorandum to the President at 4:45 p.m. A handwritten “L” on the covering note indicates the President saw it. Copies were also sent to McPherson, Saunders, and the Department of State.
Document 432: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, August 30, 1967, 7:15 p.m.
Source: Department of State, NEA Files: Lot 71 D 287, Middle East Crisis (3). Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Battle. Filed with a covering memorandum of August 31 from Battle to Walsh.
Document 433: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, August 31, 1967, 2107Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Lambrakis on August 30; cleared by Bahti, Wehmeyer, and Davies; and approved by Katzenbach.
Document 434: Telegram From the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic to the Department of State
Cairo, September 11, 1967, 0741Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR–US. Secret; Limdis.
Document 435: Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State
Moscow, September 12, 1967, 1403Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Limdis. Repeated to USUN and Tel Aviv. Received at 2150Z.
Document 436: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, September 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Top Secret.
Document 437: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, September 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret. Drafted by Saunders.
Document 438: Notes of a National Security Council Meeting
Washington, September 13, 1967, 12:32 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Meeting Notes File, NSC Meetings. Secret. Prepared by Assistant to the President Jim R. Jones. The President joined the meeting at 12:32 p.m. and departed at 12:58 p.m.; the notes record only that part of the meeting. Notes of the entire meeting by Bromley Smith are ibid., National Security File, NSC Files, NSC Meetings, Vol. V, Tab 57; and by Nathaniel Davis are ibid., Agency File, United Nations, Vol. VIII.
Document 439: Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, September 13, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret.
Document 440: Letter From President Johnson to President Tito
Washington, September 15, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, Special Head of State Correspondence File, Yugoslavia—President Correspondence. No classification marking. Telegram 38996, September 18, which transmitted the text of the letter to Belgrade indicates that it was drafted by Arthur R. Day (UNP). (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR) Telegram 917 from Belgrade, September 20, indicates that the Charge delivered the letter that day. Tito stated that he had visited the Middle East in the hope of convincing the Arabs of the necessity of seeking a political solution. He thought he had succeeded, although it was “no easy task” to convince Arab leaders on this point. He further stated that he had told the Arab leaders that Israel was a reality from which one must proceed. (Ibid.)
Document 441: Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Rostow) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, September 18, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Copies were sent to Katzenbach, Kohler, Harriman, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Joseph Palmer II, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs John M. Leddy, Battle, Hughes, Sisco, Meeker, Chairman of the Policy Planning Council Henry D. Owen, Julius C. Holmes, who was heading a special State-Defense Study Group on the region, Walt Rostow, Goldberg, and pouched to London, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Amman, and Paris NATUS.
Document 442: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, September 23, 1967, 1711Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated Priority to Tel Aviv. A retyped copy of this telegram was sent to the President with a covering note from Walt Rostow commenting that it was “a pretty full portrait of Israel's frame of mind at the moment.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII)
Document 443: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, September 20, 1967, 1 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, USSR, Vol. XVI. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Rostow. Walt Rostow sent the memorandum to the President on September 22 along with the memorandum of the portion of the conversation concerning Vietnam.
Document 444: Information Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Battle) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, September 21, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Copies were sent to Katzenbach, Rostow, Kohler, Sisco, and USUN. Rusk's initials on the memorandum indicates he read it.
Document 445: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, September 22, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret.
Document 446: Memorandum of Conversation
New York, September 25, 1967, 12:15 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by United Kingdom Country Director J. Harold Shullaw, and approved in S on October 3. The memorandum is part 3 of 3. The meeting took place in the Secretary's suite at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, where Rusk was attending the 22nd Session of the UN General Assembly.
Document 447: Letter From President Johnson to King Faisal
Washington, September 25, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Head of State Correspondence File, Saudi Arabia. No classification marking. Walt Rostow sent a draft of the letter to the President with a covering memorandum of September 19 stating that the Arab leaders at Khartoum had commissioned Faisal to write to him, and the draft letter was thus “our response to Khartoum.” He commented that at Khartoum the Arabs had taken “a first short step toward realism and, while it isn't enough, we don't want to throw such cold water on it that we discourage further efforts or cause our friends to give up all hope of sympathy from us.” (Ibid., Memos to the President, Walt W. Rostow, Vol. 43) A copy of the draft was sent to Bundy with a September 21 memorandum from Saunders that states the President had written Rostow a note asking him to be sure Rusk and Bundy were “on board on this one.” Bundy's handwritten revisions appear on that copy of the draft. (Ibid., NSC Special Committee Files, Saudi Arabia) Telegram 45719 to Jidda, September 28, transmitted the text to Jidda for delivery. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 SUDAN) Telegram 1356 from Jidda, October 5, reported that Ambassador Eilts had presented the letter that day. (Ibid., POL 27 ARAB–ISR)
Document 448: Memorandum of Conversation
New York, September 25, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Battle on September 26. Copies were sent to Walt Rostow, Sisco, Goldberg, Eugene Rostow, and Davies.
Document 449: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, September 26, 1967, 0250Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Priority to Tel Aviv. Received at 1808Z.
Document 450: Memorandum of Conversations
New York, September 26, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Bergus.
Document 451: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, September 29, 1967, 1952Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Lambrakis, cleared by Atherton, and approved by Battle. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Jerusalem, Jidda, London, Moscow, Paris, and USUN.
Document 452: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, September 29, 1967, 2039Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Miscellaneous Material. Top Secret; Priority; Nodis; Sandstorm. Drafted by Davies, cleared by Katzenbach and Saunders, and approved by Battle. Repeated to USUN as Tosec 52. A September 29 memorandum from Saunders to Walt Rostow, attached to the source text, states that Saunders had made revisions, which he had cleared with Davies. A handwritten note by Rostow indicating his approval of the revised telegram is on Saunders' memorandum.
Document 453: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 3, 1967, 6:10–9:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Tom Johnson's Notes of Meetings, October 3, 1967. Top Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by Tom Johnson. Filed with a covering memorandum from Johnson to the President. The meeting was held in the Cabinet Room at the White House.
Document 454: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 3, 1967, 2240Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Received on October 4 at 0144Z. Another copy of the telegram indicates that the memorandum of conversation was cleared in S on October 19. (Ibid., POL UAR-US)
Document 455: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 3, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, President's Appointment File, October 4, 1967. Secret; Nodis. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 456: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 4, 1967, 1 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Saunders Files, Middle East, 9/1/67–10/31/67. Confidential; Exdis. This copy of the memorandum is filed with a copy of an October 5 memorandum from Saunders to Battle enclosing the original for Battle's approval. According to the President's Daily Diary, the President arrived early in the luncheon, accompanied by Vice President Humphrey, Secretary Rusk, and Secretary McNamara. After introductions were made, the President, Rusk, and McNamara departed, while the Vice President remained and joined the group for lunch. The President returned after lunch.
Document 457: Memorandum From Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, October 4, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret.
Document 458: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, October 7, 1967, 0118Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Drafted by Atherton on October 5; cleared by Grey and Battle, and in draft by Arthur R. Day (UNP); and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated to USUN, Amman, Jerusalem, and London.
Document 459: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, October 6, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Top Secret; Nodis. Walt Rostow forwarded the memorandum to the President at 7:35 p.m. with a covering memorandum briefly summarizing it and commenting, “My inclination is that we go ahead.”
Document 460: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 10, 1967, 0235Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Exdis.
Document 461: Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State
Moscow, October 9, 1967, 1445Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Limdis. Received at 1838Z.
Document 462: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 9, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Head of State Correspondence File, Jordan, 8/1/67–7/31/68. Secret.
Document 463: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 9, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Saunders File, Middle East, 9/1/67–10/31/67. Secret.
Document 464: Memorandum From the President's Special Counsel (McPherson) to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, October 10, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt W. Rostow, Vol. 45. No classification marking. Rostow sent this memorandum and the attachment to the President with an October 10 memorandum noting that the proposed Anderson mission was out and adding, “I suspect Eban did raise it with Anderson, very cautiously; checked with Jerusalem; and was turned down.” He commented further: “I do fear the Israelis will overplay their hand; but, then, I don't live in the Middle East.” (Ibid.)
Document 465: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 10, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Saudi Arabia, Vol. II. Secret. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 466: Telegram From the Department of State to the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic
Washington, October 12, 1967, 1902Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Parker on October 11 and approved by Battle. Repeated to USUN, London, Tel Aviv, Amman, Jidda, Beirut, Tripoli, Rabat, Tunis, and Ankara.
Document 467: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. 8. Secret. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 468: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret.
Document 469: Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Intelligence
Washington, October 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, UAR, Vol. VI. Secret; No Foreign Dissem/Background Use Only; No Dissem Abroad/Controlled Dissem. Prepared by the Office of Current Intelligence and coordinated with the Office of National Estimates and the Clandestine Services. Copies were sent to Bromley Smith, Walt Rostow, Saunders, and the White House Situation Room.
Document 470: Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State
Tel Aviv, October 13, 1967, 0755Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 12–5 ISR. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to London, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and USUN. Received at 0829Z.
Document 471: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 13, 1967, 10:15 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. 7. Secret. The handwritten notation “For 11 a.m. meeting” appears at the top of the page. The President met from 11:05 to 11:32 a.m. on October 13 with Bundy, Rusk, Goldberg, Rostow, Battle, Sisco, and Pedersen to discuss a possible draft resolution on the Middle East. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary) No record of the meeting has been found.
Document 472: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, October 13, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 12–5 ISR. Secret. A handwritten note on the memorandum by Deputy Executive Secretary John P. Walsh reads: “Approved by Secy Rusk, Secy McNamara, & the President, 10/13/67. JPW.” An October 16 memorandum from Saunders to Rostow with an attached copy of the memorandum indicates that the President approved it at the 11 a.m. meeting on October 13. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, Vol. I)
Document 473: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 13, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret. Rostow sent this memorandum to the President that afternoon with a covering memorandum stating, “Herewith an account of my lunch today with Minister Evron. Harry [presumably McPherson] tells me that after lunch Evron feels a bit easier.” A handwritten “L” on the covering memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 474: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 17, 1967, 0101Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to Tel Aviv and Amman. Received at 0206Z.
Document 475: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 17, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates it was received at 6 p.m.
Document 476: Memorandum From Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, October 17, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret.
Document 477: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 18, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. Secret; Sensitive. Rostow forwarded the memorandum to the President with a brief covering memorandum. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 478: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 18, 1967, 2215Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to London and Tel Aviv. Received at 2323Z.
Document 479: Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Battle) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, October 18, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US. Secret; Exdis; Eyes Only. Drafted by Battle.
Document 480: Letter From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, October 20, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, USSR, Kosygin Correspondence, Vol. I. No classification marking. The copy printed here is headed “Translation.” Two copies of a slightly different translation headed “Unofficial translation” are ibid. Dobrynin called Rusk at 3:30 p.m. on October 21 and told him he had just received the letter and that Kosygin wanted him to deliver it in person. (Notes of telephone conversation, prepared by Mildred Asbjornson; National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls) Dobrynin called on the President from 7:30 to 8:03 p.m. that evening and evidently delivered the letter at that time. (Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary) No record of the conversation has been found.
Document 481: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 24, 1967, 0151Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Moscow Priority and to Tel Aviv and Amman. Received at 0338Z.
Document 482: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 23, 1967, 11 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. XII. Secret. Drafted by Saunders. The meeting was held in Rostow's office at the White House. Rostow sent the memorandum to the President on October 24 with a brief covering memorandum. A handwritten “L” indicates the President saw it.
Document 483: Notes of Meeting
Washington, October 23, 1967, 1:05–3:40 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Tom Johnson's Notes of Meetings, October 23, 1967, 1:05 p.m. Top Secret; Eyes Only. Sent to the President with a covering memorandum from Johnson of October 25. Director of Central Intelligence Richard Helms was also present. (Ibid., Daily Diary)
Document 484: Letter From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, October 23, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Filed with a memorandum of an October 24 conversation between Dobrynin and Kohler at which Kohler handed the letter to Dobrynin. The memorandum of conversation includes the text in translation of an oral message in Russian that Dobrynin gave Kohler. It reads as follows: “The Soviet Government believes it would be beneficial now to have a confidential [Note: also carrying the sense of authoritative] exchange of views concerning a political settlement in the Near East. We proceed from the assumption that such a confidential exchange of views would better assist the task of settlement. In this we see purpose in possible consultations between representatives of our two states. The aim of our approach is to find a path leading to the settlement of the Near East crisis through common efforts on the basis of respect and due regard for the lawful rights and interest of all states of this region. Of course, such a course of action can only be successful in circumstances of appropriate mutuality of efforts undertaken.” Brackets in the original quote. Drafts of the letter to Kosygin, along with related materials, are in the Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, USSR, Kosygin Correspondence, Vol. I.
Document 485: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 24, 1967, 0223Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret. Repeated to Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Ottawa, Copenhagen, New Delhi, Tokyo, London, Moscow, Paris, Amman, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Lagos, and Addis Ababa and passed to Cairo.
Document 486: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan
Washington, October 24, 1967, 1759Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 12–5 ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Houghton; cleared by Macomber, Schwartz (DOD), and Katzenbach; and approved by Battle.
Document 487: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 24, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Head of State Correspondence File, Israel, 7/1/67–2/28/68. Secret. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 488: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 24, 1967, 5:44–6:32 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Battle on October 25 and approved by the White House on October 27. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Room at the White House. The time and location of the meeting are from the Johnson Library, President's Daily Diary. Copies were sent to Rusk, Katzenbach, Leddy, Battle, and the Embassy in Tel Aviv. George Christian's notes of the meeting are ibid., Meeting Notes File.
Document 489: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 26, 1967, 0142Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Repeated to Tel Aviv Priority, and to Jerusalem, Amman, London, Copenhagen, Ottawa, Moscow, and Paris.
Document 490: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 26, 1967, 1816Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. 7. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Walt Rostow forwarded this telegram to the President with an October 27 covering memorandum.
Document 491: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, October 26, 1967, 1740Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Immediate to Tel Aviv.
Document 492: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, October 26, 1967, 11:40 a.m.–12:12 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Meetings, Vol. 4. Secret. Drafted on October 27. The time of the meeting is from the President's Daily Diary. (Ibid.)
Document 493: Memorandum to President Johnson
Washington, October 27, 1967, 3:40 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind. Confidential. A handwritten note on the memorandum indicates it was received at 3:42 p.m. The memorandum is not signed, but an October 27 memorandum from Saunders to Bundy indicates that it was from Walt Rostow. (Ibid., Saunders Files, Middle East, 9/1/67–10/31/67)
Document 494: Memorandum From the President's Special Counsel (McPherson) to President Johnson
Washington, October 31, 1967, 4:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Vol. VII. No classification marking. McPherson forwarded the memorandum to Walt Rostow on November 1.
Document 495: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 31, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind. Secret. A handwritten “L” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 496: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, November 1, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. VII. Confidential.
Document 497: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 4, 1967, 0342Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US. Secret; Priority; Exdis.
Document 498: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, November 2, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Files of Harold H. Saunders, Israel, 11/1/67–2/29/68. Secret.
Document 499: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, November 3, 1967, 1–3:15 p.m.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Toon on November 3. Approved in S on November 8. The memorandum is part I of IV. The time is from Rusk's Appointment Book, which indicates that the conversation took place during luncheon at the Department of State. (Johnson Library)
Document 500: Telegram [text not declassified] to the White House
Washington, November 3, 1967, 1516Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Middle East Crisis, Sandstorm/Whirlwind. Secret. Also sent to the Department of State. Rostow sent the telegram to the President at 2:30 p.m. with a covering memorandum, in which he commented that the Nasser-Anderson conversation was important and interesting. Citing paragraph 25, he noted that Anderson was “wholly correct” in his conversation and in dealing with the press, and he added that he had “talked firmly” to the Chief of the United Press International Washington Bureau, “who promised to try to kill the story.” The handwritten note “PS, 11/3/67” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 501: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 4, 1967, 0513Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Repeated Priority to Amman. Received at 0709Z.
Document 502: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 5, 1967, 0233Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Immediate to Tel Aviv. Received at 0401Z.
Document 503: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 4, 1967, 2345Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to London Immediate. Received on November 5 at 0022Z.
Document 504: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 5, 1967, 0057Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Immediate to Amman, and to Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, London, Ottawa, Rio de Janeiro, and Tel Aviv. Received at 0133Z.
Document 505: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, November 5, 1967, 2154Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59 Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Atherton and approved by Eugene Rostow. Repeated to Amman Priority, and to USUN Immediate.
Document 506: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel
Washington, November 30, 1968, 0126Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Atherton, cleared by UNP Deputy Director Arthur R. Day and Jordan Country Director Talcott W. Seelye, and approved by Davies.
Document 507: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 6, 1967, 0350Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Amman Priority. Received at 0806Z.
Document 508: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations
Washington, November 8, 1967, 1521Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Houghton on November 7, cleared by Symmes and Battle, and approved by Walsh. Also sent to Amman and Tel Aviv.
Document 509: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, November 6, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 JORDAN. Secret; Exdis.
Document 510: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, November 6, 1967, 7:15 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. 7. Secret. A handwritten note on the memorandum indicates it was received at 7:30 p.m.
Document 511: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, November 7, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. 7. Secret. A copy was sent to Saunders.
Document 512: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 8, 1967, 1741Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Also sent to the White House and repeated Immediate to Tel Aviv, and to London. Received at 1835Z.
Document 513: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, undated.
Source: Johnson Library, President's Appointment File. Secret; Exdis. The Department of State record copy of this memorandum is dated November 8 and indicates it was drafted by Battle on November 7. An attached note states that Rusk took the memorandum to the President on November 8. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 JORDAN) He presumably took it with him when he attended the President's lunch meeting at 1 p.m. that day. The Middle East situation at the United Nations and plans for the meeting with Hussein were on the agenda. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Rostow Files, Meetings with the President)
Document 514: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, November 8, 1967, 4:15 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, President's Appointment File. Secret; Exdis.
Document 515: Memorandum for the Files
Washington, November 8, 1967, 5:37–6:29 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Jordan, Vol. IV. Secret. Drafted on November 11. An attached note of November 22 from Saunders to Walt Rostow's secretary, Lois Nivens, instructed her to put a copy in her files, since it was the only record of the President's meeting with King Hussein that would be available in the White House. The meeting took place in the Oval Office. The time and place of the meeting are from the President's Daily Diary. (Ibid.)
Document 516: Editorial Note
Document 517: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 11, 1967, 1934Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Priority to London. Received at 2121Z.
Document 518: Memorandum From John Foster and Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, November 11, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Name File, Saunders Memos. Secret. A handwritten note on the memorandum reads: “For 2:00 p.m. meeting.” Rostow sent a copy to Eugene Rostow with a covering memorandum of the same date.
Document 519: Telegram From the Embassy in Lebanon to the Department of State
Beirut, November 10, 1967, 1256Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Received on November 11 at 4:17 a.m. Rostow sent a copy of this telegram, along with telegrams 3901 and 3908 from Beirut (see footnotes 2 and 5 below), to the President on November 11 with a memorandum noting that Anderson reported that Nasser wanted to see him again. The memorandum stated: “We shall have a recommendation for you shortly—conscious of your grave reservations in this matter.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Lebanon)
Document 520: Telegram From Acting Secretary of State Katzenbach to Secretary of State Rusk in Williamsburg
Washington, November 11, 1967, 2138Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files, 1967–69, TRV ANDERSON, ROBERT B. Secret. A handwritten notation on the telegram indicates it was received at 2245Z. According to Rusk's Appointment Book, the Secretary was in Williamsburg, Virginia, to attend the Gridiron Dinner at the Convention Center. A notation on the telegram indicates Rusk read it.
Document 521: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon
Washington, November 12, 1967, 0130Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Popper, cleared by Battle, and approved by Acting Secretary Katzenbach.
Document 522: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 13, 1967, 0118Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated Priority to Amman, and to London and Tel Aviv. Dated November 12 in error; received on November 13 at 0317Z.
Document 523: Information Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, November 13, 1967, 8:45 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Lebanon. Secret; Sensitive. A handwritten note “PS, 11/13/67” on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 524: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, November 13, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. 7. Secret. A copy was sent to Saunders.
Document 525: Telegram From the Embassy in Lebanon to the Department of State
Beirut, November 14, 1967, 1025Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 7:33 a.m.
Document 526: Memorandum From Nathaniel Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, November 16, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations, Vol. 9. Secret. A copy was sent to Saunders. Rostow sent this memorandum to the President at 4:50 p.m. with a covering memorandum commenting that it indicated that “we are the closest we have come in New York to movement on the Middle East” and that it posed an issue “which you may have to decide tomorrow—or even, less likely, today.”
Document 527: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 17, 1967, 0356Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Received at 12:03 a.m.
Document 528: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 18, 1967, 0336Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Also sent to Tel Aviv. Received at 0629Z.
Document 529: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 18, 1967, 0414Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Confidential; Limdis. Repeated to London, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and Addis Ababa. Received at 0608Z.
Document 530: Information Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Battle) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, November 17, 1967.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR. Secret; Exclusive Distribution. Drafted by Atherton and Lambrakis on November 16 and cleared by Davies. Copies were sent to Popper, Katzenbach, and Eugene Rostow. A notation on the memorandum indicates Rusk read it.
Document 531: Telegram From the Department of State to the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic
Washington, November 18, 1967, 2003Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Walsh; cleared by Goldberg, Battle, Sisco, and Katzenbach; and approved by Rusk. Also sent Flash to USUN.
Document 532: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
Washington, November 18, 1967, 2155Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files, 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Walsh; cleared by Goldberg, Sisco, Battle, and Katzenbach; and approved by Rusk. Also sent Flash to Paris and repeated to Amman and USUN.
Document 533: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Embassy in Argentina
New York, November 19, 1967, 1827Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Also sent to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia and repeated Flash to the Department of State. Received at 1908Z.
Document 534: Letter From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, undated.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/UN. No classification marking but filed as an attachment to a Secret telegram, telegram 71851 to Moscow, November 20, which transmitted the text. The letter is marked “Unofficial translation.” Telegram 71851 notes that Dobrynin had given the letter to Rusk that afternoon and that in his preliminary comments, Rusk pointed out that it presented certain problems of content and timing. A copy of the signed original and a translation prepared in the Department of State is filed with a covering memorandum from Read to Rostow, March 13, 1968. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, USSR, Kosygin Correspondence, Vol. I)
Document 535: Letter From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, November 19, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, USSR, Kosygin Correspondence, Vol. I. No classification marking. The text was transmitted in telegram 71850 to Moscow, November 20. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 ARAB–ISR/UN)
Document 536: Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations
Washington, November 20, 1967, 1916Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted and approved by Popper and cleared by Battle and Kohler. Repeated to Moscow.
Document 537: Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State
New York, November 21, 1967, 1715Z.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 12:38 p.m.
Document 538: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, November 21, 1967, 10:30 a.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Saunders Files, Israel, 11/1/67–2/29/68. Secret. Filed with a covering memorandum of November 24 from Saunders to Walt Rostow that summarized a portion of a conversation among Herzog, Davies, Atherton, Evron, and Saunders during lunch. Davies and Saunders pressed Herzog about Israeli attitudes toward a settlement, saying they saw two Israeli policies: one prepared to accept a compromise to get a settlement, and one that appeared designed to scuttle all chances of a settlement by hardening Israel's terms while paving the way for Israeli settlement of the captured territories. Herzog replied that the Israeli Government was deeply divided, and no one would know where the balance lay until the Cabinet had to accept or reject a specific proposal. He said his own guess was that in that moment of truth, desire for a peace settlement would be “overriding” and that those willing to gamble on a reasonable settlement would win over those who would rather bet on the physical security that they felt the current borders provided. Copies of the memorandum of conversation were sent to McGeorge Bundy, Nathaniel Davis, and Roy Atherton.
Document 539: Letter From Premier Kosygin to President Johnson
Moscow, undated.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, USSR, Kosygin Correspondence, Vol. I. No classification marking. The letter is a translation. Dobrynin gave the letter to Kohler at 2:15 p.m. on November 21 and told Kohler that if the U.S. side could reply that day, the Soviet Government could get instructions to Kuznetsov in New York before the next day's session of the Security Council. Kohler referred to the Arab acceptance of the British resolution and “wondered why the Soviets were trying to be more Arab than the Arabs themselves.” Dobrynin said he was sure that if the Arabs really did accept the British resolution the Soviets would not vote against it. Rostow sent the letter and Kohler's memorandum of his conversation with Dobrynin to the President on November 21 at 3:55 p.m. (Both ibid.)
Document 540: Letter From President Johnson to Premier Kosygin
Washington, November 21, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, USSR, Kosygin Correspondence, Vol. I. No classification marking. Walt Rostow sent a draft letter to the President at 5:10 p.m. with a covering memorandum that referred to it as Rusk's draft reply, noted that the basic draft was Goldberg's, and added that Goldberg was “fully aboard.” The draft is virtually identical to the letter as sent except that it did not include the second to the last paragraph, which was apparently added by the President. A paper with the text of that paragraph, with a note indicating that it was to be inserted before the last paragraph of the letter and a handwritten note stating that it was sent electronically to Ben Read at 5:40 p.m., is ibid. Kohler gave the reply to Dobrynin at 7 p.m. His memorandum of the conversation with an attached copy of the letter, identical to the one sent, is in Department of State, Kohler Files: Lot 71 D 460, Kohler/Dobrynin Memcons.
Document 541: Editorial Note
Document 542: United Nations Security Council Resolution 242
New York, November 22, 1967.
Source: UN document S/RES/242. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Security Council.