156. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Allen) to the Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- Proposal by British Respecting Eric Johnston’s Trip
Discussion:
The attached telegram from Francis Russell2 states that Mr.Shuckburgh has suggested Mr.Johnston’s trip might follow the proposed US and UK statements on Near Eastern policy.
Mr.Johnston’s staff has already raised with him the possibility that his trip might be postponed until afterwards. Mr.Johnston felt, however, that to do so would open him—and, through him, the United States—to the accusation of bad faith. In his previous visits, he has emphasized to the Arabs that acceptance of the Jordan Valley proposals would not imply any political accommodation with Israel. Your proposed statement, he believes, will necessarily link a settlement on the water issue with the other elements set forth. The Arabs will assume that your statement was discussed with him and has his approval. Mr.Johnston therefore has personal grounds for not wanting the statement made before he returns to the area and either succeeds or fails.
[Page 293]Under the circumstances, and in view of your conversation with Mr.Johnston, it would probably be difficult to arrange the suggested postponement of Mr.Johnston’s trip.
Recommendation:
I recommend that no change be made in the timing of the statement from that which you gave Eric Johnston, i.e., that it be madeafter his visit.