Office of the Historian

231. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the Secretary of State and His Special Assistant (Russell), Washington, March 30, 1956, 4:14 p.m.1

Washington, March 30, 1956, 4:14 p.m.

TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR. RUSSELL

R. said Eban wants to see him and asked if the Sec. read the memo of conv. he had with Shiloah.2 He discussed the substance of it—the Sec. had not read it. He mentioned the importance of getting on to an understanding with them—whether they are going to continue political warfare the Sec. discussed with Eban. R. would like to pursue this unless the Sec. has some objection. Allen and Rountree agree. R. thinks this is the opportunity to put the bite on. The Sec. said all right.

The Sec. said he talked with Pearson about it Wednesday night3 and told him as far as we were concerned, we would be glad to see them sell some of the F86s to them. P. said they are free to sell them without our consent. He was disposed to go ahead, attaching as a condition that they should not proceed with ___ business. Of course we are subject to criticism at home, said P., but the Sec. encouraged him to do something along this line. The Sec. thinks they knew he was dining with P. and if they won’t build it up too much, R. can indicate to him the Sec. expressed a sympathetic view to him. R. would like to take the line we are prepared to go ahead but how will depend on the climate they will maintain. The Sec. does not want to get in a position of bargaining with them on this business. We are doing what we think is right irrespective of them. On the other hand, we probably as a practical matter can do more and be more effective if they were somewhat more sympathetic and cooperative. The Sec. wants more of a cooperative attitude so we feel we are working together. Their only theme is arms. We get no benefit of their thinking, their intelligence etc. What do they think re Syria? Jordan? The problem is more complicated than just arms. If their only contribution is that, our effort will be less successful. R. will develop that. The time is good. The Sec. said not to put us in a position of being pleaders for mercy. We can beat them at that.

  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations. Transcribed by Phyllis D. Bernau. Dulles was at his residence.↩
  2. Document 228.↩
  3. See Document 227.↩