Office of the Historian

256. Telegram From the Consulate General at Jerusalem to the Department of State1

Jerusalem, April 8, 1956—8 p.m.

404. Reference ConGentel 403.2 Burns saw Ben Gurion at 4 o’clock this afternoon. He met with British Consul General3 and myself thereafter and gave us following account interview.

Burns found Ben Gurion in a reasonable frame of mind and stated that he had nothing especial to add to letter he had sent Ben Gurion this morning. Letter pointed out that Burns had protested Fedayeen activities to GOE and asked their recall assuming they were sent into Israel by Egyptian authorities. Letter mentioned that extent casualties caused by Gaza shelling had shocked world opinion and urged Israel refrain any further retaliations, especially since Egypt has now put herself in position of, in fact she ordered Fedayeen raids. Ben Gurion expressed idea that Burns should endeavor obtain unconditional “cease-fire” from Egyptians. He stated that Israelis willing wait until 1200 hours local time April 10 for obtainment GOE undertaking that effect. Unless GOE accepted this [Page 494] proposition by foregoing deadline, Israel would “reserve its liberty of action.” Burns suggested that in interests accuracy proposed undertaking should specify observance article II paragraph 2 GAA in its entirety rather than “cease-fire.” Ben Gurion agreed and indicated GOI prepared give such an undertaking.

Burns has sent telegram to Fawsi recounting above and asking whether Nasser prepared give undertaking in question as soon as possible and not later than time limit stated.

With reference UNTSO investigation Fedayeen activities Colonel Hommel informed me at 1700 local time today that observers have confirmed blowing up of tractor and water tower Ashkelon area and hand-grenade attack against house same vicinity, with killing one woman and injuries two children. Observers have also reported railway track and bridge as blown up plus ambush of army vehicle. However, no complaints received from Israel respecting latter incidents. Investigations continuing.

Cole
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/4–856. Confidential; Niact. Received at 5:28 p.m. Repeated priority to Cairo, Amman, Beirut, Damascus, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv. Passed to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.↩
  2. Cole reported on April 8 in telegram 403 that Burns told him that, due to the Fedayeen attacks, he was endeavoring to see either Ben Gurion or Sharett as soon as possible to urge the Israelis to refrain from initiating retaliatory measures. Burns also noted that he had sent a message to Nasser appealing to him to withdraw the Fedayeen from Israel. The Chief of Staff added that on April 6 the Israelis informed him that they had information indicating that the Egyptians were planning a Fedayeen operation, and that Burns apprised the Egyptians of the Israelis’ fears and urged Egypt to cancel any such plans. The Egyptians, Burns said, failed to respond to his request. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Thomas Wikeley.↩