Office of the Historian

49. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1

Washington,March 11, 1955—7:22 p.m.

521. Eshkol, Kollek and Sapir of Israel Govt Jerusalem and Shiloah of Israel Embassy called on Johnston New York March 10 at their request to discuss Jordan Valley negotiations.2

Eshkol and Shiloah emphasized that question use Tiberias without infringing upon Israel sovereignty was far more important than remaining difference on quantity of water. Problem constant automatic delivery specific amount of water to Jordan from Tiberias was discussed at some length. Israelis were informed steps being taken determine feasibility such delivery but that some variation in flow likely be required on clear basis agreed in advance by all concerned.Johnston assured Israelis every effort would be made meet Israel desire for simple operation which minimizes judgment watermaster and he expressed belief engineering arrangements satisfactory to Israelis can be worked out. (Proposal that Wiener come US to participate in technical analysis this problem was discussed informally with Kollek and understanding reached Department would advise Israelis when Wiener’s presence would be useful.)

Johnston then brought discussion back to question division water, assuming problem of use Tiberias solved. Eshkol reserved formal position subject approval his Government but increased best offer made during recent negotiations Jerusalem from 50 to 65.5 and then to 75mcm (figures compare with 131mcm in Johnston 10 Feb. 243).Johnston maintained firm line stating conviction that Arabs could not be brought to accept less than 100mcm. Eshkol inquired whether US would be willing assist Israel in developing Mediterranean sea water project if agreement all parties reached and Johnston gave assent.

Advance in Eshkol’s position permits some optimism that Israel will make offer on quantity which will permit negotiations to proceed if satisfied on arrangements for use Tiberias. Inquiry concerning US willingness assist with Mediterranean sea water project was first time in long months negotiation that Israelis have expressed interest in help US might be willing provide if agreement [Page 109] reached. Eshkol undertook to present Johnston proposals again to Cabinet next week.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85322/3–1155. Confidential. Drafted by Troxel and approved by Gardiner who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Amman and pouched to Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Paris, Baghdad, and Jidda.↩
  2. No record of this conversation has been found in Department of State files.↩
  3. Document 28.↩