784A.5/5–450: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
priority
330. Department inform Army, Navy, Air [Force]. At Foreign Office May 4, Sharett during one hour talk amplified six page aide mémoire justifying Israels formal arms request. [Aide-] Mémoire being air mailed May 9. Salient points [Aide-] Mémoire follow:
After mentioning Israel had received “no direct reply” to its February 13 letter to USG re Arab rearmament and outlining “future arms deliveries Arab countries during first three months current year” [Aide-] Mémoire continues “Israel appreciates statements made Secretary of State reiterating previous peace and stability Middle East remain aim US to this area. Israel not informed if US has in fact sought utilize its good offices especially with UP [UK] stop flow ‘second round’ war material Arab countries. Should be emphasized, however, UK treaty obligations Egypt and Jordan do not specify amount of arms and equipment to be supplied these states; that American acquiescence volume of arms deliveries now being made—acquiescence without protest—is certain increase unwillingness Arab Governments conclude peace agreements with Israel; that hope expressed Bunche statement for UN SC August 4 that shipment heavy arms ME should be limited reasonable security needs, has failed, that hope expressed to me by representative UK and accepted by Bunche and Senator Austin has been abandoned; that in sum Arab states have begun arms race which endangers security Israel and jeopardizes stability ME.”
Document then refers Israel’s unanswered request in February 13 letter for assistance in purchase arms for “defensive purposes” and emphasizes that requests based on equipment requirements for approximately six brigades authorized by armistice agreements in contrast 24 brigades maintained Arab States and that Israel seeks arms “for her protection alone.”
Sharett commented on political aspect “current ME arms race” substantially as follows: “surprised at US justification” of UK arms flow. Because Sharett considers Secretary Acheson “pillar of world peace” latter “must not be aware of tragic effects” UK arms policy. Moreover, UK refusal arms Israel on grounds “lack of peace” and grant of arms to Arab States without requiring peace pledge in effect encourages Arab intransigence. Sharett indicated “pained surprise” that US accepts UK “falacious arguments.”
Sharett continued Israel disturbed current rumor London that UK does not favor Israel-Jordan separate peace. Recent private letter from [Page 883] Abdullah intended be shown Foreign Minister disclosed King as result UK recognition annexation is “excessively confident and is now preparing make new political and territorial demands on Israel.”
At conclusion talk Sharett urged me stress Israel’s willingness disclose to US present arms Israel if US agreed either (1) determine amount and kinds arms needed Israel defense purposes and to supply difference existing stocks and those US decides required; or (2) make up armament deficiencies in defensive force strength as permitted Israel armistice agreements (these are same two Israel purposes as per Usaira Israel 0025 dated 13 April).1
- Copy not found in Department of State files.↩