683.84A/8–152: Telegram
No. 466
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State1
191. Embtel 105.2 In past Israel’s apathy toward vital matter of exerting itself to utmost to improve relations with Arab neighbors has frequently been subject comment as in Embtel 627, Dec 27.3 There is now however some evidence improvement in this respect at high level, as for example Israel’s willingness participate mtg with Syrian rep (last para Embtel 1221 May 20). Within past few days FonMin reaffirmed Israel’s readiness meet Syrians on any level. In view time lag, unfortunate publicity and developments reported Damascus desp 16, July 7,4 Emb feels chances now slight for any real progress from such mtg, but nevertheless continues encourage Israel attendance.
Most recent example Sharett’s heightened interest in possibilities improving Arab-Israel relations is his reaction recent happenings Egypt. Altho immed response Israel press was usual invidious comparison instability Arab govts with stability Israel, FonMin’s chief interest was to take advantage any opportunity for rapprochement with new Egypt regime. He speculated that with abdication one important obstacle to peace, viz. wounded pride of Farouk, has been removed, and that influence some “non-Egyptian” elements in palace antagonistic to peace, as well as Arab League may have been weakened.
FonMin referred to press statement issued by FonMin which was brief and to effect that GOI considered recent events in Egypt as internal matter, and altho wld remain watchful, GOI determined maintain stability armistice lines, adhere Israel–Egypt armistice terms and avoid any action which might be interpreted as interference Egypt affairs. Sharett explained above release was intended to have conciliatory tone and counteract any statements by “hot heads” in Israel. (Had ref to former extremists now members Herut party.) He took as possible hopeful sign what he termed the very restrained tone of Naguib’s refs to Israel thus far.
Sharett indicated Israel Govt has indirect means contact certain Egypt politicians including some in Wafd, who he felt may be [Page 977] thinking of possible advantages liquidate quarrel with Israel, and hence might be disposed regard matter as bilateral polit question rather than Arab League affair. Shiloah, who was present at mtg, added that any settlement with Egypt cld mean material econ advantage both countries since an important part of Israel’s hard currency procurement cld be transferred to Egypt.
- Repeated to London, Paris, Ankara, Beirut, Damascus, Amman, Baghdad, Cairo, and Jerusalem; sent by pouch to Jidda.↩
- Document 458.↩
- For text, see Foreign Relations, 1951, vol. V, p. 1332.↩
- Not printed.↩