784A.13/10–753: Telegarm
No. 682
The Chargé in Israel (Russell) to the Department of State
413. At casual meeting Tel Aviv last evening, Prime Minister asked me “When is your government going to stop boycotting Jerusalem?” Question appeared to be rhetorical. He went on to say in friendly but vigorous fashion: “Your present policy is blasphemy. Christ himself came to Jerusalem. So did Dulles, a religious man. Other religions, to be sure, have interest in Jerusalem but those who launched them were Jews. Reason given by Western powers for not wanting move of Foreign Ministry to Jerusalem was that it would increase tension. That would mean Arabs would determine Jerusalem policy. Jews have been in Jerusalem for thousands of years and government is thereby right. Government of Israel, not just particular ministries or branches of the government, but government itself, has been in Jerusalem since 1949. Therefore no basis for change in Western powers policy because of move of Foreign [Page 1340] Ministry.” I have no reason to believe I succeeded in materially changing Prime Minister’s views.
He said he intends return to office from his vacation in about 12 days.