43. Memorandum of a Conversation With the President, White House, Washington, March 5, 19551
OTHERS PRESENT
- Mr. Eric Johnston
- Colonel Goodpaster
[Here follows Ambassador Johnston’s account of his activities at the recently concluded Inter-American Investment Conference in New Orleans.]
Turning to a discussion of his negotiation with the Arab nations and the Israelis concerning the project for development of water resources in the Jordan area, Mr.Johnston reported that before his trip he had thought he could obtain Israeli agreement but would have great difficulty with the Arab states (since he had revised his plan to give 40% of the water to Israel). After considerable difficulties, [Page 90] he had brought the Arabs to a point where they were ready to agree; however Israel then insisted upon 50% of the water, and although he got them to lower this figure, he could not get them below a figure of approximately 43%. He discussed the intensity of feeling on both sides, and discussed also possibilities for obtaining Israeli agreement.
Colonel,CE, U S Army
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File,Ann Whitman (ACW) Diaries. Drafted by Goodpaster↩