447. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
1231.Deptel 1230.2Shiloah called on Russell today3 and said he had discussed at length with Sharett points made in talk with Russell on Dec 8.Sharett had authorized him to make following interim reply.Sharett not in position make definitive comments until after discussion with gov’t upon return to Israel around Dec 17. Israel would have comments to make on all of elements mentioned. However, if it were not for central question of Negev, Israel willing enter into negotiations at any moment. Position with respect to Negev was communicated to Secretary by Sharett.4 Israel is ready to enter negotiations without conditions even if it knows that the question of the Negev will be raised. There is nothing tabu on bringing up any issue. However, as now formulated Dept’s proposal on Negev amounts to a pre-condition. Israel will have agreed to make concessions on Negev and only point to be negotiated will be [Page 844] the size of the concession. US should not deceive Egypt into thinking Israel will enter negotiations morally bound to do something regarding Negev.
If there is any vestige of readiness on part of Arabs to reach settlement, remainder of elements provide adequate scope for negotiations. Israel has doubts regarding Arab readiness to reach settlement. Israel fears US is engaging in wishful thinking and that Arabs are following deliberate stalling tactics.
Manner of conducting negotiations will pose no problem.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/12–1055. Top Secret; Priority; Alpha. Drafted by Russell, approved by the Secretary, and approved for transmission by Russell, who signed for Dulles. Also sent to Tel Aviv and London.↩
- Supra.↩
- No other record of this conversation has been found in Department of State files.↩
- See Document 437.↩