501.BB Palestine/1–349: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt
top secret
Washington, January 3, 1949—5 p. m.
us urgent
niact
2. Please seek immediate audience with King1 and make following oral representation, leaving memorandum in same sense:
- 1.
- Amer Govt has been deeply disturbed at recent renewed outbreak hostilities bet forces of Israel and Egypt in Negev, despite SC’s resolutions Nov 42 and Nov 16 and Council’s basic resolutions calling for cease-fire and truce in Palestine May 29 and July 15, 1948.3
- 2.
- Because serious nature recent fighting and continued neglect countries concerned to heed SC’s resolutions, Amer Govt has recently indicated to Provisional Govt of Israel its concern at course events and its belief that Israeli forces should under no circumstances invade territory of Egypt.
- 3.
- In same spirit Amer Govt because its long friendship with Egypt feels it must point out similar concern which it has lest attitude of Egypt should be stumbling block to prompt conclusion peace in Middle East. In particular we feel there should be compliance with SC resolution Nov 16, 1948 which called upon parties to Palestine conflict to negotiate armistice either directly or through good offices UN Mediator.
- 4.
- It would be most encouraging if Govt Egypt would promptly undertake negotiations looking toward armistice foreseen by SC in its resolution Nov. 16. Any word which King can give this Govt as to his intentions this respect will be appreciated.
- 5.
- In light friendly representations made to PGI which have in fact resulted in assurances of withdrawal Israeli forces from Egyptian territory, Amer Govt can expect no less than policy of wise retraint on part Egyptian Govt with respect to further hostilities against Israel. Such incidents as that Jan. 1, when two Egyptian vessels are reported to have approached Israeli coast to attack capital city of Tel Aviv, or recently reported bombing of Jerusalem, can only bring reprisal on part of Israel and will make it difficult for this or any other Govt to counsel PGI against extensive mil operations. Any as surances which King may be able to give as to Egypt’s peaceful intent will be awaited with great interest by this Govt.
- 6.
- Finally, it should be urged upon King in most serious terms that Amer Govt and people feel time has come to make peace in Palestine. It is essential that hostilities should cease and that statesmanship should be employed to establish lasting peace. We trust that King Farouk as a leader of Arab world will seize this opportunity.
Repeated to London as 11, Tel Aviv as 2.
Lovett
- Farouk, King of Egypt.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1948, vol. v, Part 2, p. 1546.↩
- See ibid., pp. 1070 and 1224.↩