Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1955, Volume XIV

112. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

Washington,June 2, 1955—6:46 p.m.

2090. Please make following statement to Egyptian FonMin leaving with him written memorandum and advising him you acting under instructions your govt:

1. The US has followed with the gravest concern the tragic sequence of events along the Gaza frontier since the Israel raid into Gaza on Feb. 28.

2. This Govt supported action in SC condemning Israel for Gaza raid and will continue oppose Israel actions of armed reprisal. At same time both SC and this Govt have strongly urged Egypt to take effective measures to cooperate with UNTSO in maintaining tranquillity along border.

3. Our information is to effect that the major incident which occurred night May 30 commenced when Egyptian outposts fired on Israel jeep in Israel territory.USG is compelled to express to Egyptian Govt in strongest terms fact that failure adopt adequate measures to prevent such behavior is strongly deplored by this Govt. It displays a lack of respect for the armistice agreements.

4. It seems to us that the Egyptian Govt by permitting such behavior in Gaza Strip is forfeiting what was essentially an advantageous position for Egypt in eyes of world opinion. Furthermore, such action adds to risk of open conflict along frontier. In view of publicly expressed policies of Egypt with regard to lack of intent resort to force in her relations with Israel, this Govt fails understand how courting the risk of major hostilities can benefit Egypt or the interest of area peace generally.

5. USG fervently hopes that Egypt will take the strongest measures to impose effective discipline in the territory under her occupation and to cooperate fully with Burns and UNTSO in implementation of practical measures aimed at reduction of border tension.²

London³ and Paris⁴ advise FonOffs of US action and request they take similar steps.USUN convey substance this message UK and French dels and if you think it advisable,UNSYG.⁵ Jerusalem inform Burns.⁶

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/6–255. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Bergus; cleared with Ludlow; and approved by Allen who signed for Hoover. Also sent to London, Paris, Jerusalem, and USUN. Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus, Jidda, and Tel Aviv.
2. Ambassador Byroade reported on June 4 that, pursuant to the Department’s instructions contained in telegram 2090, he had handed a memorandum to Foreign Minister Fawzi. (Telegram 1841 from Cairo, June 4;ibid., 674.84A/6–455)Byroade forwarded a copy of this memorandum to the Department. (Despatch 2254 from Cairo, June 10;ibid., 674.84A/6–1055)
3. On June 3, the Embassy in London gave the British Foreign Office copies of telegram 693 to Tel Aviv and telegram 2090 to Cairo and requested the United Kingdom to take similar action. (Telegram 5296 from London, June 3;ibid., 674.84A/ 6–355)
4. On June 3, the Embassy in Paris informed the French Foreign Ministry of the Department’s instructions contained in telegram 693 to Tel Aviv and telegram 2090 to Cairo and asked the Foreign Office to take similar steps. (Telegram 5334 from Paris, June 4;ibid., 674.84A/6–455).
5. No record of a reply from the Mission at the United Nations has been found in Department of State files.
6. Cole informed General Burns on June 3 of the contents of telegram 693 to Tel Aviv and telegram 2090 to Cairo. (Telegram 345 from Jerusalem, June 3;ibid., 674.84A/6–355)