Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

974.531/7–1351: Telegram

The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State ¹

secret

Tel Aviv, July 13, 1951—5 p. m.

33. Emb believes US can ill-afford take other than forthright stand on such an important issue as restrictions by Egypt on Suez Canal traffic. Without attempt review gen considerations, I mention only one of local application: Since we sponsored May 18 res sharply critical of Israel and may find it necessary join in criticizing Israel further re implementation ref res, it becomes important that we be no less critical of Egypt in present case.

Emb believes moreover that merits case fully justify strong position and that para 3 Deptel 14, July 9² does not go far enough altho our emphasis may well be on Point IV BIE restrictions as they affect US interest and rights other UN members in order more readily refute charges action merely evidence pro-Israel policy. From standpoint US interests as viewed from this mission, Emb agrees with opinion Brit FonOff as reported London Embtel 226, July 11³ to Dept that weight our co-sponsorship needed to realize maximum result.

Davis

1. Repeated for information to Cairo, London, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus, Jidda, and Jerusalem.
2. Same as telegram 17 to New York, p. 756.
3. Ante, p. 763.