784A.02/8–2453: Telegram

No. 652
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel

confidential
priority

161. Embtel 248.1 Prior Eban’s departure for Paris meeting Israel diplomatic representatives and consultation Israel (reportedly arriving Aug 30) he met separately with Undersecretary Smith 2 and Asst Secretaries Murphy 3 and Byroade.4 Main topics these conversations (air pouched memos of which due arrive Emb Sept 1) were (1) Jerusalem and US position re Foreign Ministry transfer and (2) military and economic aid.

Re (1) Dept stated possible solutions Jerusalem problem being studied; decisions not yet taken on desirability any particular solution or consideration question at forthcoming GA, which will have crowded agenda probably making it desirable avoid inclusion Jerusalem. Reiterated US displeasure over untimeliness Foreign Ministry [Page 1294] transfer as not calculated reduce area tensions and reaffirmed intention retain Emb at Tel Aviv and refrain from visits Jerusalem. Latter prohibition strongly criticized by Eban and Sharett in personal letter to Secretary as “backward step” since such visits allowed prior to transfer. (Copy Sharett letter, which not yet answered, being airpouched.)

Re (2) Dept stated US plans allocate small amount military aid available for NE on basis collective defense plan when latter has satisfactorily evolved; timing such aid would not necessarily be same for all countries and aid would be fitted to their particular roles in area defense. US will do nothing with military aid which in its estimation will harm Israel. Israel will be informed soon as possible extent economic assistance it can expect under MSP, since IG’s need this information fully appreciated. Eban said he proceeding in negotiations with non-governmental organizations on assumption MSP legislation prohibits use funds to help solve Israel’s “financial” (apparently referring indebtedness) problem.

Dept assured Eban matters such as divergent US and Israel views re Jerusalem transfer should not be misconstrued as indication there has been any change friendly feeling US has for Israel, for which Eban expressed gratefulness. Eban was also informed US holds as continuing objective conclusion peace between Israel and at least one perhaps two of neighboring Arab states, and that conceivably Syria might precede Egypt in this due latter’s preoccupation Suez issue.

Embtel 249.5 In event IG argues Byroade did not specifically refer in Aug 19 conversation Eban to three IDF raids Aug 11, Emb should emphasize such incidents one of main reasons for US concern over border situation.

Dulles
  1. Telegram 248 from Tel Aviv, Aug. 24, noted the expected arrival of Eban in Israel that week and requested a summary of the position taken by the Department in discussions with him prior to his departure. (784A.02/8–2453)
  2. The memorandum of Smith’s conversation with Eban on Aug. 13, not printed, is filed under 784A. 13/8–1353.
  3. The memorandum of Murphy’s conversation with Eban on Aug. 12, not printed, is filed under 320/8–1253.
  4. The memorandum of Byroade’s conversation with Eban on Aug. 19, not printed, is filed under 784A.13/8–1953.
  5. Not printed, but see footnote 4, Document 650.