407. Telegram From the Department of State to the Delegation at the Foreign Ministers Meetings in Geneva1
Tosec 258. Re Secto 243.2 There follow comments on numbered paragraphs in reftel.
5. As a premise, concept would be strengthened by addition of phrase “and Arab states” after “Israel”. Same balance, it seems to us, should be kept elsewhere in memorandum, for example in paragraph 14.
8. Concept might be broadened by addition of phrase “backed up by other states of NE” after “Northern tier”.
10. Western influence has also been weakened by slow pace of economic and political development in the Arab world.
13. Tripartite Declaration contains broad language and should be sufficient for Israel’s present needs. Security guarantee could probably go no further than Declaration but would be formal engagement and should be given only in context of general settlement. Egypt’s relations with Soviet bloc will be important factor in considering US adherence to Baghdad pact. In this connection Saudi Arabia, Syria and other NE states might also be mentioned because their defection from the West might have bearing upon US adherence to Pact.
There are possibilities for agreement other than “compromise between UN resolutions of 1947 and the present armistice frontiers” which can be considered and perhaps quoted language is unduly restrictive. Such possibilities as condominium and trusteeships of certain areas might also be useful.
15. West could talk to Egypt now if Egyptians take initiative.Nasser continues appear very interested in economic development his country. We should not be forthcoming in giving to Egypt until Nasser willing take steps outlined this paragraph. We should start devising formula whereby Nasser while remaining outside Baghdad pact is able in some way to associate himself with it.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/11–1055. Top Secret. Drafted by Wilkins and Bergus and approved by Murphy, who signed for Hoover.↩
- Document 396.↩