Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XX, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1967–1968

59. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State¹

Tel Aviv, January 24, 1968, 1020Z.

2264. Subject: Jarring Mission. Ref: Tel Aviv 2257.² Subsequent to conversation between DCM and Argov in which latter gave details Eban’s meetings with Jarring January 17 and 22nd reported reftel, I had occasion meet with Eban separately. He referred to report he had of meeting between W. Rostow and Battle and Evron on 22nd in which U.S. side said we detect signals of unfreezing in Arab attitudes and hope for something significant to happen, perhaps January 25th. Evron’s telegram said the specifics were not available. Eban said he very interested this possibility. Referring to his conversation with Jarring on the 22nd, he said was somewhat discouraged since Arabs seemingly maintaining hard and fast position that first step towards settlement must be Israel’s withdrawal to June 4th lines. Eban had emphasized to Jarring that the November resolution contained seven or eight provisions, that no priorities had been established by that resolution, and that it disappointing that Arabs refused discuss anything except withdrawal. Eban stated British interpretation that resolution to be taken as a whole and that unilateral action not required of anybody. Jarring felt he could only succeed in his mission by personal contact, that he does not regard himself as an itinerant salesman and there no hope unless procedural problems can be sorted out so that negotiations will in fact take place. Eban said he suggested possibility secret emissaries proceed to Jarring’s Cyprus headquarters but Jarring thought that procedure premature. Jarring said there three possibilities, (1) he could conclude the parties too far apart for any progress and report failure to the UN, (2) one side might change its position, or (3) some kind of negotiations could continue to be sought. So far Jarring still prepared to keep at it in hope latter alternative materializes.

Barbour

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27-14 ARAB-ISR. Secret; Nodis.
2. Telegram 2257 from Tel Aviv, January 24, reported on information received from the Foreign Ministry on Eban’s meetings with Jarring on January 17 and January 22. (Ibid., POL 27 ARAB-ISR)