212. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1
202037. 1. Please prepare following letter from President for delivery to Prime Minister and hold for Amb. Ball, who will deliver it himself in his call on Eshkol.
Begin Text.
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I have asked Ambassador George Ball, who has just assumed his new responsibilities at the United Nations, to discuss with you and your colleagues and with certain Arab statesmen current developments [Page 410] in the area. I know from our very useful exchange last January that you are fully familiar with our policy and that you share my concern over the lack of progress towards a peaceful settlement since the end of hostilities. We stand squarely on my statement of June 19, 1967, and we maintain our full support for the Security Council resolution of November 22, 1967.
The trip to the area will give George Ball the opportunity to become fully familiar with the Middle East problem. I must frankly say that I fear the situation is deteriorating and that it will continue to do so in the area and in the Security Council unless some progress towards a settlement can be made. In particular, I am asking Ambassador Ball to explore with you steps which your Government might be prepared to take now to facilitate UN Representative Jarring’s efforts to bring about agreement between Israel and its neighbors.
I hope that you and Ambassador Ball may have a completely candid exchange of views which will advance our mutual interest in the prompt establishment of a durable and stable peace in the area.
Sincerely, Lyndon B. Johnson. End Text.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, UN 7. Secret; Priority;Exdis. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Jidda, London, Jerusalem, USUN, and Moscow.↩