Office of the Historian

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

Ottawa, June 21, 1956—noon.

470. For the Secretary. Israeli Ambassador2 called on me this morning report tenor Saint Laurent’s reply to Ben Gurion’s letter and also results his talk yesterday with Prime Minister3 whom he had requested see prior Prime Minister’s departure for London tomorrow.4

Reply to Ben Gurion friendly, sympathetic but non–committal concluding with statement question supply F–86s to Israel under study by Canadian Government.

In talk with Prime Minister Israeli Ambassador reached conclusion (1) no definitive Cabinet decision reached nor now possible until after Prime Minister’s and Pearson’s return from London in second week July, (2) Pearson only advocate in Cabinet of transaction and all will follow without opposition Prime Minister’s conclusion [Page 739] when reached; (3) Prime Minister, while recognizing strong Israeli case and sympathetic some righting of arms balance for its deterrent value, is unwilling have Canada act except in collective framework which would include US certainly and preferably UK as well; and (4) any further urging of Canada by us that it act alone at this time would generate strong Canadian resistance. Israeli Ambassador now sees no appreciable hope of obtaining F–86s except in some form package deal which would include some degree open participation of US.

I agree further efforts by us persuade Canadians act independently would be counter–productive. I also agree that Saint Laurent key figure, struggling with sense moral responsibility, presence domestic political risk in some degree and traditional Canadian reluctance act internationally except in company US and UK. Under present circumstances I believe Canadian Government will keep Israeli request under continuing consideration and defer indefinitely delivery a definite reply.

Merchant
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 784A.5622/6–2156. Secret. Received at 1:53 p.m.↩
  2. Michael Saul Comay.↩
  3. The Embassy in Ottawa had informed the Department on June 15 that the Israeli Ambassador, under instructions from Tel Aviv, was “renewing pressure on Canadian Government for reply on F 86s.” (Department of State, Central Files, 784A.5622/6–1556)↩
  4. Prime Minister Saint Laurent was traveling to London to attend the Commonwealth Conference of Prime Ministers.↩