Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1–July 26, 1956, Volume XV

274. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State¹

Tel Aviv, April 12, 1956—11 a.m.

1075. Foreign Ministry informs Embassy that 1 a.m. this morning message received from Hammarskjold advising Ben Gurion that Nasser had agreed to conform Article II GAA subject to right of self defense. At 2 a.m. Sharett replied as follows:

“Your message incorporating Colonel Nasser’s reply reached me as reports poured in of renewal of dastardly attacks deep in our territory by Egyptian murder gangs throwing hand grenades into peaceful dwellings, firing into school and synagogue and ambushing civilian traffic. So far eight bloody assaults have been recorded tonight with four children killed, fifteen persons wounded. Utter worthlessness and falseness of Colonel Nasser’s assurances stand exposed. His revolting behavior calls for immediate and positive public condemnation on behalf of UN. You will also realize inevitable dire consequences of this murderous campaign brazen challenge of which cannot as matter of elementary self preservation be ignored much longer.”

In conversation with Embassy counselor re foregoing, Tekoah, Foreign Ministry adviser on armistice affairs, said if Nasser had sincerely wanted to lessen tensions he would have taken steps to stop new incursions Fedayeen upon receipt of General Burns’ urgent message last week.² Instead he ignored these messages and now makes his commitment to Hammarskjold at time when he knows full well his agents continuing their murderous activities within Israel.

Ben Gurion, who unavailable late last night, being advised Hammarskjold’s message and Foreign Ministry promised inform Embassy of any reply which Prime Minister may make additional to that of Sharett transmitted above.

Meantime USARMA reports beginning at approximately 9 a.m. this morning reservists being called up to active duty in Tel Aviv area. Efforts being made to ascertain proportions of this callup.³

Lawson

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/4–1256. Secret; Niact. Received at 7:14 a.m. Repeated priority to Cairo, London, Paris, and Jerusalem.
2. See footnote 2, Document 256.
3. Telegram 2051 from Cairo, April 12, noted that the Embassy was informed that Hammarskjold had, in response to Sharett’s message, “promptly forwarded reply rejecting Sharett’s accusation Nasser acted in bad faith in agreeing conform Article II GAA and pointing out obvious time factor.” (Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/4–1256)