784A.02/3–453: Telegram
No. 579
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State
priority
1399. Saw Foreign Minister Sharett yesterday afternoon (Department’s Circular telegram 905,1 Embassy telegram 13932) and informed him orally that United States Government requests Israeli Government not transfer Foreign Ministry to Jerusalem and that United States does not intend move Embassy from Tel Aviv. Added representations will not be publicized unless information from another source first reaches press. Stressed as background that Israel has much to gain from improvement in situation and should not take action that would make more difficult for United States exercise helpful influence. Stated further matter had now attracted considerable international attention and move might jeopardize interests of great importance.
Sharett replied he would convey request regarding move to Prime Minister and Cabinet, adding he considered request “unrealistic” and felt it would not have decisive bearing on prospects for peace but on contrary would tend enlarge already difficult problem. He reviewed Israel’s position on establishment Ministries in Jerusalem, mentioning also that officials are already in process of obtaining housing there.
Sharett said he now expects arrive in United States early April to remain about eight days when he will proceed to Buenos Aires. He remarked this would afford opportunity have full discussion Israel viewpoint with United States officials in Washington.
- Document 576.↩
- In telegram 1393, Mar. 2, Ambassador Davis reported that he met that afternoon with representatives of the British, French, Italian, Belgian and Austrian Missions in Tel Aviv; each had received or anticipated receiving instructions similar to those contained in circular telegram 905 of Feb. 27. (784A.02/3–253)↩