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

684A.85/8–2054: Telegram

No. 875
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel¹

secret

Washington, August 26, 1954—7:02 p.m.

110. Amman’s 60² Tel Aviv’s 192³ Cairo’s 203.⁴ Tel Aviv requested approach Dayan reporting that our initial soundings in Cairo and Amman indicate willingness for commanders to meet. We suggest first meetings be held between commanders Jlem sector and Gaza frontiers. In our view agenda should be limited discussion border security measures and to setting up means for further periodic contacts with view reduction border incidents. Arrangements could be made regarding place and time meeting through UNTSO observers. It should be made clear that what we are seeking is resumption commanders meetings which as in past would be held informally and outside framework MAC. FYI while we would hope such meetings might improve atmosphere to degree where Israel would see value resuming full cooperation with MAC feel would be counter-productive attempt link these meetings with MAC participation at this time.

Tel Aviv requested consult closely with ConGen Jlem and at appropriate time ConGen should provide background to UNTSO.

Cairo and Amman requested make similar approaches Gohar and Arab Legion.

Report developments.

Smith

1. Sent also to Amman, Jerusalem, and Cairo.
2. Not printed.
3. Document 869.
4. Document 861.