Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XIX, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1967

401. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at Geneva¹

Washington, August 1, 1967, 1901Z.

14643. Ref: Geneva 350.²

Please inform Siddiqui as follows:

1. US continues believe that communication between US and UAR through various channels may be helpful toward removing those obstacles which have clouded relations between two countries. It is impossible, however, at present time send personal representative of President to Cairo. If there are envoys of President Nasser available in Europe from time to time, US will endeavor provide suitable representative for discussions.

2. Mr. Anderson will be returning Europe in few weeks and there are other Americans, who could serve as channel, available from time to time if President Nasser wishes utilize them.

3. The US continues to note statements repeating outrageous and erroneous charges with respect to the US and its actions during the recent hostilities. These statements known to be false cannot be considered helpful in the direction of improving the climate between the UAR and the US.³

Rusk

1. 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)
2. Telegram 350 from Geneva, July 31, reported that Siddiqui had informed Tubby of a message from Hafez saying that Nasser agreed to meeting with the President’s representative at any time but preferred it to be in Cairo. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US) A message for Siddiqui transmitted in telegram 12837 to Geneva, July 25, stated that Anderson could not visit Cairo at that time but was frequently in Europe and would be available at a later date if desired. (Ibid.) This replied to telegram 296 from Geneva, July 25, which reported that Siddiqui had shown Tubby a message from Hafez in Cairo that Nasser said Mohieddin could not leave Cairo at that time but would welcome Anderson in Cairo. Siddiqui said he would accompany Anderson to Cairo and felt sure he could arrange a meeting with Nasser. (Ibid.) Telegram 12837 to Geneva relayed to Tubby that the Department was reluctant to have Anderson make a trip that appeared to be at U.S. initiative and wondered whether the fact that Siddiqui was not sure he could arrange a meeting with Nasser meant that Siddiqui and Hafez were acting on their own initiative. (Ibid.)
3. Telegram 366 from Geneva, August 2, reported that Tubby had given this message to Siddiqui. (Ibid.)