501.BB Palestine/11–1348: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald)
us urgent
216. Dept had received several reports indicating number Amer citizens and aircraft of Amer and Panamanian registry involved in movement fighter aircraft and arms from Czecho to Israel in violation SC resolutions May 29 and July 15 and contravention US Govt Policy on arms shipments to Near East. (Urtel 243 Nov 8.1) Planes overflying Austria refused respond international signals to land given by US Air Forces. Rather than accede Air Force request for authorization to shoot down planes Dept on basis affidavits from Amer citizens involved instructed Emb Praha end July request assistance Czech Govt in stopping use Czech airfields by Amer aircraft using Amer crews and bearing Amer markings and engaged in clandestine operations. Czech Govt also requested assist Emb take up passports personnel such crews. Foregoing action believed in accord SC resolutions May 29 and July 15 as well as US Govt Policy on this matter.
- Not printed.↩