684A.85/8–754: Telegram
No. 860
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Egypt1
240. Deptel 205 Cairo,2 Cairo 179, Tel Aviv 147, Amman 45, to Dept.3Dayan apparently had meeting of military rather than police commanders in mind. View Gohar’s expressed willingness meet Israel counterpart and since arrangement in Gaza area would require only one as opposed to perhaps three meetings along Jordan frontier Dept. inclined suggest Embassies Cairo and Tel Aviv endeavor arrange meeting between Israel and Egypt commanders for some time after 20th. Tel Aviv might explain to Dayan that although Department officers gathered from Washington talk he would prefer first meeting take place between Jerusalem commanders Department feels less complications involved if start made in Gaza. Present concern in Jordan over impending changes UNTSO personnel would also appear indicate advisability making first attempt in Gaza.
Both Embassies should stress to governments importance USG attaches arrangements designed lessen incidents along frontier and sincere US hope that out of this first meeting a workable procedure for lessening tensions Gaza and elsewhere might evolve. Topics for discussion might include improvement methods for prevention infiltration and reduction instances nervous unauthorized firing by forces across armistice lines. Will be recalled April discussions broke down when Israelis attempted broaden agenda to point where Egyptians feared “peace talks.” Governments should be urged limit agenda to border problems which Emb Tel Aviv might emphasize must be resolved to foster atmosphere conducive settlement other Israel-Arab issues.