273. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1
195.Embtel 246.2 You may convey fol to Sharett. You should make it clear to him that this is general comment and that omission of reply to any his specific points or questions does not imply any US position re them.
USG does not have any plan for Arab-Israel settlement which it intends attempt impose on parties. In his statement Secretary wished [Page 467] indicate desirability working toward settlement principal issues and to set forth what this country is prepared contribute to facilitate such settlement. The expressed willingness of Arab Govts to study Secretary’s statement encourages us believe they will in near future discuss with us some of problems arising in connection with a settlement.USG hopes leaders of both Israel and Arab states will continue give this matter intensive study to the end that parties will at early date be prepared indicate concessions and contributions each can make toward settlement. If both sides or indeed either side should take position unable make any, it obvious no progress possible. We feel however that reception Secretary’s statement creates opportunities for progress. If a period of calm can be maintained in area, we hope obtain views of several of Arab govts as to form and elements of settlement to which they would agree. We also look forward to receiving Israel’s thoughts concerning what it prepared to do. We feel it in interest all concerned that such steps take place with minimum publicity. US willing, if both sides desire, assist— with UK presumably in view its relations in area—in initiating exchange of views between parties.
You may inform Sharett we do not intend raise Jerusalem question at forthcoming UNGA.
FYI only: Israel rep here has indicated to Dept officer that Sharett planning come to US at some time during forthcoming UNGA. We assume one of purposes of such trip would be press Dept for further details as to US proposals on settlement. As indicated above, Dept for present desires concentrate only on eliciting from both sides what they prepared do toward settlement. If occasion arises therefore you may indicate appropriately to Sharett that trip to US would not result his obtaining “US blueprint” for settlement but could only provide us with opportunity hear further from him. End FYI
London inform FonOff contents immediately. Dept informed by Brit Embassy here that Israel Ambassador calling on FonOff Sept 14 and FonOff interested know position Dept taking in IG approaches.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/9–1055. Top Secret; Alpha; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Bergus and Russell; cleared with Jernegan; and approved by Russell, who signed for Hoover. Repeated priority to London and repeated to Cairo, Amman, Damascus, Beirut, Baghdad, and Paris.↩
- Document 267.↩