674.84A/7–351: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Department of State
17. Re Suez: In conversation this morning Israeli del told us Tel Aviv intends to have Israeli del submit complaint on Suez to council and ask President to call meeting, if no member willing to submit complaint. Rafael said his del expects instructions within few days and will consult us before taking action.
Maffitt said he personally felt it would be better if Egyptians could be persuaded privately to drop restrictions, but he made clear that US is in no way opposing matter being brought to council table. In this connection, if Dept feels there is no reasonable hope of favorable Egyptian reaction to US and other démarches on Suez, or prefers Suez matter be brought up now rather than possibly in future, we should appreciate Dept’s instructions to that effect.
Fact that Israelis themselves contemplate bringing Suez matter into council strengthens our view that SC consideration this matter at this time would not be advisable (mytel 3, July 2),1 since association with their initiative will thereby make US, UK, etc., doubly vulnerable to Arab suspicion.