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

800.413/8–751: Telegram

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

secret
priority

Tel Aviv, August 7, 1951—noon.

118. Agree view Deptel 105 August 3¹ that White House message to World Zionist Congress Jerusalem wld affect adversely Israel’s relations with neighbors. Believe Amer citizens interested in Israel sometimes too inclined press for action this kind without considering effect on important US and Israel policy objectives. In present case, unfavorable polit effects unquestionably wld outweigh any possible advantages. UK and Fr colleagues here uninformed whether similar messages being sought from their govts. They agree, however, messages inadvisable from political viewpoint whether from govts or local missions.

In view possible complications mytels 108 August 2² and 115 August 6³ and other disadvantages already discussed, wld prefer avoid sending message from me as Amb to Pres Amer Zionist Org especially since no such message has been requested locally by Browdy or other leader ZOA. Recommend we express view Emb subject comes up there that it wld be to advantage both US and Israel avoid unnecessary messages this kind in present circumstances.

If Dept nevertheless wishes me to send message, one will be sent upon receipt instrs to that effect.⁴

Davis

1. Ante, p. 819.
2. Telegram 108 from Tel Aviv, not printed, but see footnote 4, ibid.
3. Ante, ibid.
4. In telegram 122 to Tel Aviv, August 9, not printed, the Department agreed that no message should be sent. A notation on the source text by Mr. Waldo indicated that this decision was based on a conversation with Mr. Nash (S/S–PR) reporting a talk with Mr. Hassett of the White House. (800.413/8–751)