784A.5/9–154: Telegram
No. 882
The Acting Secretary
of State to the Embassy in
Israel1
129. Accordance suggestion your 2092 Acting Asst Secy NEA called Shiloah into Dept for discussions first. Jernegan expressed concern news from Israel did not indicate Secretary’s efforts reassure Israelis had been successful in calming apprehensions or creating atmosphere for effective further US action along lines these reassurances. PriMin’s speech August 30 seemed follow unconstructive line given to Russell by Eban (ur 190).3 US had hoped IG would take course action of reassuring own people stating they in contact with US and UK on matters affecting Israel’s security and expressing hope satisfactory outcome could be expected. Public statements such as PriMin’s and Argov’s (ur 216)4 seemed be of nature incite elements in Israel calling for “preventive war”. Was sure IG agreed US position recently reaffirmed by President Eisenhower absolutely repudiating concept “preventive war”. Jernegan reiterated Secretary’s statements of reassurance stated we still examining means of offering further assurance to Israel but task much more difficult unless IG endeavors create calmer atmosphere among own public.
Shiloah stated he would consult his government and reply in due course. Meanwhile he could assure Dept both IG and Israel people were in full agreement with US in repudiating “preventive war” Wished assure USG Secstate’s comments had been taken most seriously and cited Sharett’s message to Secretary (ur 207)4 IG disturbed [Page 1642] because facts kept coming to light contrary to optimistic assumptions evidently made by US in formulating its NE policies. IG did not question our sincerity but less sure of soundness our analysis.
- Repeated by pouch to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, London, Paris, Jerusalem, Kuwait, Dhahran, Alexandria, and Haifa.↩
- Document 877.↩
- Document 868.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed.↩