501.BB Palestine/12–1249: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
niact
priority
880. Eytan called me to Foreign Office 6:30 p. m., December 12 expecting hand me advance copy Prime Minister’s “policy statement” on Jerusalem, first scheduled for delivery 8 p. m. Knesset session. However, unexplained last minute cancellation and speech now set December 13 Knesset.
Eytan unable give me advance copy, but said BG had “made definite point” avoiding any “inflammatory statements” in preparing speech, while at same time stressing Israel’s “rights” in Jerusalem and maintaining [Page 1535] position heretofore held that Jewish Jerusalem “must remain sovereignty Israel.” Speech’s main purpose, said Eytan, is enable government set “moderate and positive lead” for country, thereby avoiding extremist groups gaining advantage and public feeling “going astray after strange gods.” Eytan said speech, broadly speaking, will announce “continuation of action” rather than suggest any new action.
Comment: I gather Israel proposes continue status quo ante vis-à-vis Jerusalem, e.g., town planning, maintenance certain government offices there, new construction, etc. and simply ignore existence GA resolution. End comment.
Sent Department 880. Department pass London 145, Jerusalem 101, Amman 65, Baghdad 55, Beirut 81, Damascus 60, Cairo 75, Jidda 35.