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

784.00/1–1554: Telegram

No. 769
The Chargé in Israel (Russell) to the Department of State¹

secret

Tel Aviv, January 15, 1954—6 p.m.

762. In conversation yesterday, Director American Section Israeli Foreign Ministry in connection with Brazilian Minister’s idea of demilitarizing zone around Jerusalem (Department’s Circular airgram 3150, December 11) categorically gave it as his belief Israeli Government would not consider demilitarization. Said Israel could not leave its capital in such an exposed situation.

Italian Minister Tel Aviv in discussing Brazilian plan said he is certain no fundamental change in Vatican insistence on corpus separatum but expressed belief Holy See would be willing give consideration any suggestions of temporary nature likely to reduce danger destruction holy places.

Russell

1. Sent by pouch to Amman, Jerusalem, and Rome.