684A.85/5–2953: Telegram
No. 621
The Chargé in Israel (Russell) to the Department of State1
priority
1827. Called on Foreign Minister Sharett yesterday afternoon and expressed views re border situation pursuant Department’s telegram 1059.2
[Page 1233]In reply Foreign Minister said he would call my statement attention Prime Minister Ben Gurion. Gave following as own “off-hand reactions”:
Re point (1) reference telegram, while Israel had placed emphasis on responsibility of Jordan in matter because of its belief that main onus for tension here, Israel unreservedly subscribed to doctrine that concerted effort both sides reach permanent workable arrangement was key to solution.
Re sentence on point (2) commented that even if for sake of argument it were assumed that Israel was responsible for certain incidents, fact that it was “reaction to provocation from other side of attempt stem tide of lawlessness” should be borne in mind. Except as such reaction can be argued, Israel has not taken initiative to venture into neighboring territory. He contended therefore that if this point were taken out of context and made to suggest there has been “undiscriminate series of attacks by both sides” for which both were equally to blame, it would “be a serious misreading”.
Re rest of point (2) reference telegram, Foreign Minister stated he was glad to say thus far no repetition of attacks arose and he was “taking full note of our position without for time being adding or retracting”.
Re point (3) reference telegram, Foreign Minister stated that while Israel was naturally interested in adapting terms of local commanders agreement to present circumstances he did not wish this tendition [condition?] to be viewed as “obstructive”. Israel’s emphasis, as Department’s, is on reinstitution of agreement. At moment formula is being worked out for presentation to General Riley and Sharett said he would do his best to hasten matter.
In conclusion I pointed out that at present heart of problem is gravely disturbing episodes along border and that it is essential that break be made in present chain of action and reaction. Failure exercise necessary restraint, I stressed, would jeopardize success Secretary’s efforts to help in arriving at solution of pressing area problems.