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

32. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State¹

Tel Aviv,March 1, 1955—4 p.m.

738. Embassy submits following comments in pursuance Ambassador Johnston’s request Rome’s telegram to Department 3068 (Johnston 10²):

1. Division of waters. Embassy believes that Johnston’s position (that he should not return to area until Israelis have agreed to formula for which there is reasonable chance acceptance Arab States) is a sound one and should be maintained. His suggestion that he endeavor obtain Jordan agreement acceptance 482MCMs river water with balance to 520 to be made up well drilling appears equitable; would give Israelis the allocation they suggested at working level their June 28 memo;³ and would provide GOI water availabilities necessary completion economically sound projects Jordan water with some balance for projects which appear marginal from cost standpoint.

2. Use of Tiberias. Key is to find formula which GOI can present to public as representing no further derogation exercise its sovereignty lake and adjacent areas. This explains Israelis insistence delivery be at point beyond Tiberias and reason GOI might not have similar strong objection control point in demilitarized zone which is already subject measure UNTSO control. Embassy informed by Kollek GOI considering sending Weiner to Washington for consultation with Bureau of Reclamation engineers “friendly to Israel” re control formula. Danger this approach is that Weiner will come up with formula bearing stamp approval USG technicians which would prove unacceptable Arab side. Suggest, therefore, that if Weiner’s trip materializes, Bureau of Reclamation technicians be integrated Johnston’s staff and all discussions be held under supervision his staff.

3. With Finance Minister Eshkol, Kollek and Sapir all converging on US and Washington next few days,⁴ inter-relation water negotiations and other aspects US economic policy toward said program in Israel assumes special importance. Israelis interested obtaining (1) surplus commodities increase stocks, (2) surplus commodities to meet abnormal requirement arising drought conditions here, (3) additional allocation fiscal year 55 economic aid, (4) and largest possible allocation fiscal year 56 aid.GOI with four years US economic aid behind it tends to regard this operation as separate one not closely related other US economic objectives in the area. Furthermore,GOI has become used to working through a number of channels in Washington.

In view of foregoing and taking into account obvious and legitimate USG interest relation local sales proceeds and counterpart to any US financial participation water development, conclusion reached is that at this juncture it is of utmost importance that USG speak with one voice in all economic and financial discussions with Israelis.

Lawson

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/3–155. Confidential. Received at 10:09 a.m., March 2. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Paris, Ankara, Baghdad, Jidda, Rome, and Brussels.
2. Document 28.
3. Not printed.
4. See Document 49.