398. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1
1959. Geneva for Secretary. Department for Acting Secretary.
At Eden’s request I saw him this morning. He wished to talk about Israeli-Arab situation. He said there were two problems: (a) to prevent outbreak of war and (b) to bring peace.
Regarding (a) he referred to statement made by President in Denver on November 9th.2 He said that at a press conference this afternoon he is planning to say that this statement represents British view and that HMG entirely agrees with it.
Regarding (b) he referred to the following statement in his speech at Mansion House November 9th:3 “The stark truth is that if these nations want to win a peace which is in both their interests they must make some compromise between these two positions.”Eden said he thought that it would still further help the situation if President could take occasion at this time to say something to the effect that if Israelis and Arab countries expect to achieve a lasting peace each side must be willing to concede something.
I told Eden I would immediately convey his message to Secretary and Acting Secretary.4
Comment: I believe what Eden is seeking is the public support of the U.S. Govt for the position taken in his speech.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–1155. Secret; Priority. Received at 3:07 p.m. Repeated to Geneva.↩
- For text, see Department of StateBulletin, November 21, 1955, p. 845.↩
- See footnote 3, Document 391.↩
-
Dulles responded as follows:
“While Eden’s speech was in general good and while parts of it were shown me few hours in advance of delivery US is in no sense committed and I am not sure endorsement would preserve our most useful role. It was probably good to administer some shock treatment to Israelis about territory but am not sure we need to repeat it.” (Secto 260 from Geneva, November 12; Department of State, Central Files 684A.86/ 11–1255)
↩