867N.01/1–1049: Telegram
The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
priority
27. Attention President and Acting Secretary. All political officers and service attaches of Mission are of opinion that British actions are destroying chances of peace. Official explanation RAF reconnaissance flights over battle area at moment Egypt accepted US-inspired UN order cease-fire and armistice negotiations and subsequent British troops landing Aqaba while Transjordan negotiations were proceeding satisfactorily are unconvincing. To us such provocative moves appear to be determined efforts forestall direct negotiations Israel–Egypt and Israel–Transjordan which might deprive Britain effective control Southern Negev. British policy is bitterly resented by PGI and people who regard it as direct continuation of persistent UK efforts sabotage establishment of independent and viable Israel.
We are convinced:
- 1.
- Current British press propaganda that PGI efforts in Negev are Communist-inspired in order prove vulnerability of Canal defenses is weird misconception of whole issue.
- 2.
- PGI, with support whole people, will resist no matter what cost all British attempts to deprive Israel opportunity negotiate directly [Page 640] under UN auspice with Egypt and Transjordan regarding Negev and peace.
- 3.
- Egypt’s and Transjordan’s fruitful participation will depend finally upon radical change Great Britain’s intransigent policy towards Israel and Negev.
- 4.
- US actions since December 30 and call for armistice negotiations have enhanced US prestige here and, if firmly pursued London and interested capitals in ME, hold promise of peace.