680.84A/2–653: Telegram
No. 559
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State
priority
1257. Embtel 795.1 Foreign Minister Sharett requested me to call at his residence this afternoon. He opened conversation by saying that it had been nearly one year since IG first indicated desire to be made eligible to receive nonreimbursable military aid and that it is now IG intent to renew request. He repeated point that Israel willing use such aid largely for harbors, roads, railroads having strategic value, rather than arms and munitions.
He referred to recent conversation between Assistant Secretary Byroade and Minister Goitein of Israel Embassy Washington from which he, Sharett, understood that US plans to aid Naguib as best means preserve political stability and build strength in area in belief that course in best interests all concerned including Israel. He understood also such aid would include military as well as economic assistance and repeated misgivings reported in prior telegrams such as 1039.2 He stated quite frankly that he feels US is neglecting ally on which it can place reliance, and expressed conviction [Page 1121] it unnecessary permit the withholding of military aid from Israel to become a condition for Arab cooperation.
Comment: In dealing with Israel misgivings it is recommended that we take course of action outlined in last paragraph Embtel 1209.3