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

189. Telegram From the Consulate General at Jerusalem to the Department of State¹

Jerusalem,August 11, 1955—1 p.m.

37. Further to my telegram 34,² General Burns today reviewed in detail with British Consul General and officer Consulate General present status Gaza talks:

According to Burns:

1. Israelis insist the “senior officer,” who is to represent the parties for the purpose of the commander’s agreement, be well defined term and want such officer to be the local commander or some one of direct relationship to that commander. Egyptians are unwilling that “senior officer” be local commander as they object to direct contact between parties at this level.Burns of opinion that Gohar contemplates Egyptian representative to be officer of lieutenant colonel rank who will be directly subordinate to War Ministry, and thus subject to Gohar, as well as to Egyptian General commanding Gaza sector. This arrangement would be satisfactory under circumstances and Burns has informed Israelis that he is willing to give his “personal guarantee” that Egyptian representative will have requisite authority. Gohar’s objection to delineation of precise relationship of senior officer to Egyptian forces Gaza based on fear that he might be accused of promoting direct talks between Egypt and Israel.

2. Gohar refused direct telephone link between parties, although will accept passing of messages through United Nations observers stationed at kilo 95. Israelis insist on direct telephone communication.

3. Israel objection to attendance United Nations observer at meetings of representatives of parties reinforces belief which Egyptians have always had that Israel desire for Gaza talks and commanders’ agreement merely attempt to bring about direct discussions between two countries. . . .

Concerning other items of agenda,Burns stated Israelis unwilling to agree to mixed patrols unless they feel Egyptians will accept barbed wire obstacle. Egyptians do not want obstacle if neutral zone idea not accepted by Israelis. However,Burns hopeful that agreement can be reached on some combination of these proposals.

Prior to scheduled August 19 meeting Burns intends to speak with Lourie of Israel Foreign Office in effort obtain Israel acceptance to Egyptian position on items one and three above if Egyptians will agree direct telephone line.Burns not sure whether Gohar objection to telephone line accurately reflects firm Egyptian position and in event he obtains Israel agreement as outlined above he may ask for outside pressure on GOE to gain Egyptian acceptance.³

Cole

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/8–1155. Confidential. Received at 1:08 p.m. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv.
2. Telegram 34 reported in part that General Burns informed Cole on August 10 that there had been no progress in the Gaza talks on August 9 and 10, and that the next meeting was scheduled for August 19. (Ibid., 674.84A/8–1055)
3. Cole reported on August 16 that General Burns had canceled the Gaza meeting scheduled for August 19 in the hope that, by approaching each side separately, he would be able to convince them to reconcile their differences described in Jerusalem telegram 37 before they met together again. (Telegram 39 from Jerusalem;ibid., 674.84A/8–1655)