100. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1
674. Please make following statement to Foreign Minister:
IDF announcement of attack against Egyptian position in Gaza area May 18, marking resumption IG policy of reprisals, represents a deliberate flouting of SC resolution of March 28. As so often reiterated to IG by USG in past such actions can only render more difficult measures in which US is vigorously engaged and of which Foreign Minister has been advised to promote basis IG security and area stability.
As IG aware,USG has worked bring to pass high-level talks which IG stated it desired. At same time we must make it plain that we believe IG is prolonging present unsatisfactory border situation by refusing cooperate with UNTSO in practical measures aimed at reducing tensions along Gaza frontier as recommended by General Burns and endorsed by SC. We deplore mining activities on part persons coming from Gaza Strip and are so advising Egyptians. In past week both Egyptian and Israeli lives have been needlessly lost as parties jockey for what appear to us to be rather dubious political advantages.
Cairo convey to GOE appropriate portion preceding paragraph supporting in your discretion démarche to Nasser by Stevenson of May 19.2 We continue support Burns proposals including his suggestion for Egyptian-Israel talks under conditions he has outlined.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/5–2055. Confidential. Drafted by Bergus; cleared with Ludlow,Burdett, and Russell; and approved by Jernegan, who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Cairo, London, Jerusalem, and USUN; and pouched to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus, Jidda, and Paris.↩
- Stevenson spoke with Nasser on May 19 about the holding of high-level talks with Israel. See footnote 3, supra.↩