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

287. Telegram From the Embassy in Canada to the Department of State¹

Ottawa, April 17, 1956—6 p.m.

391. For Secretary. Reference Department telegram 398² and Embassy telegram 384.³ External Under Secretary Leger stated Pearson informed House External Affairs Committee today that Israeli request for 24 fighter planes still under consideration by government. In Leger’s opinion cabinet will not reach final decision before two weeks time and then decision will likely be unfavorable. In response to query as to what additional information cabinet would have in two weeks he replied that 1) Canada awaiting clarification UK position on Canadian sale fighter planes as only UK reaction received to date was “no objection”, 2) further details concerning Arab reaction to French sale of Mysteres desired and 3) more information concerning results Hammarskjold’s mission would be unavailable. Leger expressed opinion that actual fighting and continuing series of incidents were a psychological factor in Canadian reluctance approve sale. He also pointed out Canada not customary supplier of arms to Israel.

Leger believes that unwillingness US sell arms to Israel despite explanation given constitutes major stumbling block for Canada, France and UK. He stated, as completely personal suggestion which in no way represented Canadian Government proposal, that some formula such as a US-Canadian agreement that each would supply twelve fighter planes in response Israeli request for 24 plane squadron might serve break existing deadlock.⁴

Stuart

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 784A.56/4–1756. Secret. Received at 9:23 a.m., April 18. Also sent to London, Paris, Rome, Tel Aviv, and USUN.
2. Document 279.
3. See footnote 4, ibid.
4. Stuart reported on April 25 that Pearson had told him the Canadian Cabinet would not act on the Israeli request for 24 fighter planes until after the NATO Ministerial meeting, and that the preponderant sentiment at that moment in the Cabinet was against approving the Israeli request. (Telegram 402 from Ottawa; Department of State, Central Files, 784A.56/4–2556)