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

684A.85/9–2354: Telegram

No. 897
The Chargé in Israel (Russell) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Tel Aviv, September 23, 1954—10 p.m.

291. Deptel 173.² In view of (a) new element introduced by reported statement of British Under Secretary Selwyn Lloyd that British willing to offer its good offices to assist in discussions looking toward peace between Israel and Arab states; (b) danger that formal second démarche at this time might take ball away from UNTSO chief of staff, who is showing intelligent initiative; and (c) interrelationship between Israel’s attitude toward border and possible border guarantees by US, which are still in process of discussion between IG and Department, Embassy inclined to believe that formal coordinated second démarche in connection with tripartite proposals not desirable at this time.

Embassy suggests, however, that in discussions which Secretary and other officers of Department will be having with Eban (and possibly simultaneously in discussions here with Prime Minister) it might be pointed out that: (1) since our statements of last month to IG (Embtel 212),³ developments (various statements by Arab leaders, willingness of British to offer offices in discussions, etc.) have strengthened our belief that opportunity exists for constructive measures that would lead in direction of peace and that much will depend upon attitude, statements, and actions of IG (particularly cessation of attacks in force across border by IDF) as to outcome of efforts. (2) UNTSO under General Burns has been moving energetically to implement a number of proposals made in tripartite proposals. A return by Israel to Israel-Jordan MAC at early date would be widely regarded as constructive step. We believe inauguration of visits to key points by UNTSO teams is one of best ways of lessening infiltration and marauding. If such visits are to take place on Jordan side, they must obviously be permitted on Israel side and we hope Israel will see desirability of this and encourage procedure. (3) We also hope that both Israel and Jordan will consider whether they cannot, as a part of the general effort to improve the situation, give their assent to some of remaining tripartite proposals such as amendment of rules permitting chairman to propose resolutions.

It might also be pointed out to IG that actual border situation during past three months does not justify IG’s statements that it has worsened as result US and British policies. According to IDF-released figures, during period March 5 to June 3 there were 121 border incidents, with Arab losses of 11 killed, 7 wounded, 22 captured and Israel losses of 18 killed, 15 wounded, 4 captured. Figures for preceding three months similar. During three months June 4 to September 23 were 91 incidents with Arab losses 5 killed, 2 wounded, 47 captured and Israel losses of 11 killed, 43 wounded (Jerusalem incident), and 1 captured. This indicates a continuing serious situation stemming from basic causes which we are attempting to deal with; not recently worsening one as IG has maintained.

Russell

1. Repeated to Amman and Jerusalem; sent by pouch to London, Paris, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, and Jidda.
2. Supra.
3. Document 879.