212. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1
147. Eyes only for the Secretary. Re Middle East. I explained to Secretary-General Hammarskjold the purpose and general content of your speech Friday on the Middle East. He was unusually excited and pleased, in fact interrupted when I mentioned US plans regarding financial aid for compensation and repatriation of refugees, to remark “This is the best news you could bring me”.
He feels that the refugee question is the keystone in the Middle East area and that solution of it may well “break the dike” although he does not expect that political solution will be found in the immediate future.
He promised to give full support both publicly and in consultation with representatives of interested nations.
In a subsequent conversation at which I informed him regarding your speech Sir Pierson Dixon (UK) read me his instructions. In accordance with which he will see the Secretary General this afternoon expressing complete British agreement and requesting Hammarskjold’s support.
The absence of top Arab and Israeli representatives here makes contact in New York difficult and perhaps unwise. I suggest therefore that our approach be made at the capitals and if you wish with the Ambassadors at Washington.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2455. Top Secret; Priority. Received at 1:31 p.m.↩