501.BB Palestine/1–149: Telegram

The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State

top secret
immediate
niact

2.1 Attention President and Acting Secretary. At approximately 2:30 a. m. January 1, two Egyptian vessels approached off coast to attack Tel Aviv. Air alert sounded and Israel coastal batteries replied to attack fire. No hits, no casualties. Israel military spokesmen issued following warning: “up to now the various arms of the defense army of Israel have refrained from taking any action outside the immediate battle areas in the south. If the Egyptians should repeat their last night’s attempt and direct attacks in whatever form against the civilian population of Israel, we shall take whatever action we deem appropriate against Egypt, and, in particular, against the Egyptian capital, Cairo.”

At New Year’s Day reception in our residence, President Weizmann2 stated to mission staff that the representations I made yesterday [Page 596] and last night (reDeptel 281, Dec. 303) had had profound effect on PGI. Apparently attitude Washington, which I faithfully presented in accordance text telegram under reference, is interpreted here as indicating reversal of attitude of Washington to old British line. In this small country, despite every attempt keep secrecy, my representations apparently already widely known in governmental circles and there is much resentment. For example, Attorney General asked what is legal difference between Israel attack on El Arish and repeated bombings in Tel Aviv and elsewhere in Israel by Egyptians. Weizmann stated: “Why this terrific pressure against Israel over attack El Arish when fact is Egyptian armies attacked Israel with purpose destroy Israel.” El Arish is Egyptian forward base for air attacks on Israel and latest Israel objectives were to neutralize but not to hold that base.

Weizmann stated he is writing President Truman directly as to facts in situation and sending letter by Eban4 who is leaving for states on Tuesday.

In obedience pressure USA so threatening[ly] expressed in Deptel 281, PGI has ordered withdrawal all forces Egyptian territory. Mission uncertain as to military effect this withdrawal but USA has now most certainly incurred serious responsibility if such withdrawal again jeopardizes Israel Forces in Negev and encourages Egypt continue attacks on Israel territory.

McDonald
  1. This telegram was originally received as an unnumbered message.
  2. Chaim Weizmann, President of the Provisional Government of Israel.
  3. Foreign Relations, 1948, vol. v, Part 2, p. 1704.
  4. Aubrey S. Eban, Israeli Representative at the United Nations.