Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

120.280/10–2353: Telegrams

No. 705
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

secret

Washington, October 23, 1953—5:24 p.m.

469. Department endorses fully position taken by Hare as reported Beirut’s 360.² Arab leaders now possess opportunity, which may not recur, demonstrate constructive approach both re Johnston Mission and Security Council consideration area tensions.

As Arabs must realize, US has taken strong line on Qibya incident and by withholding aid to Israel in connection by Banat Yaqub construction has shown its intention back UN by concrete action.

Attitude taken by certain Arab leaders toward Johnston Mission, including credulity given fabrications regarding his Zionist sympathies (facts set forth Deptel 172³ and Paris Embtel 8 to Amman),⁴ together with tendency adopt unconstructive attitude towards issues before Security Council can only damage Arab position before US and world opinion. Department assumed that in accordance with their own best traditions Arab Government would accord courteous receptions to representative of President and would give careful consideration his statements. Needless to say, President would not have despatched Johnston on such a mission unless convinced his complete objectivity.

Position of Jamali (Baghdad’s 227 to Department)⁵ especially detrimental to Arab interests here. His refusal receive Johnston on pretext he official American Christian Committee for Palestine ignores fact Johnston visiting area solely as representative of President. Such attitude bound to be resented by US public. Department compelled take into account detrimental effect such attitude on its efforts relieve tension and improve conditions in area.

Missions instructed bring above points to attention governments to which accredited. Except in case Baghdad Missions should not mention Jamali by name.

Dulles

1. Sent also to Baghdad, Jidda, Amman, Damascus, and Beirut; repeated to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
2. In telegram 360 from Beirut, Oct. 21, Ambassador Hare reported on a conversation with Foreign Minister Naccache in which he stressed Johnston’s impartiality and the importance of the mission, read the Department’s press statement of Oct. 18, and called attention to the U.S. Government’s intention to see those responsible for the Qibya incident brought to account. “In conclusion,” Hare reported, “I told Foreign Minister that despite gravity present situation in Near East, there is in actuality an opportunity for progress highly beneficial to Arabs, an opportunity which if lost may not recur. I emphasized necessity for Arab leaders show understanding and take constructive approach since contrary action would only be to their detriment.” (120.280/10–2153)
3. Telegram 172 to Amman is the same as telegram 140 to Damascus, Oct. 17; not printed, but see footnote 5, Document 693.
4. Telegram 8 from Paris to Amman is the same as telegram 1519 from Paris to the Department; not printed, but see ibid.
5. Not printed.