416. Telegram From the Embassy in Canada to the Department of State1
482. For Secretary and Allen. I talked at some length this morning to Paul Martin on Israel. He is acting for Pearson in latter’s absence. He told me cabinet decided after Israeli Ambassador’s talk with Prime Minister last week2 that Canada definitely would not act alone in supply of fighter aircraft Israel. Prime Minister, however, was authorized explore with Eden in London possibility of Canada acting collectively in matter. Actual furnishing arms by US would not be sine qua non but some public benison and sharing of moral responsibility would be expected of us.
I explained at length reasons underlying our policy. It came out that, in Martin’s mind at least, controlling negative factor is belief Canada has potentially useful mediator role with Arabs in various upcoming issues in UN involving Arab bloc. He is opposed to jeopardizing this Canadian position which he thinks important in our common interest. Martin confirmed that since your talk with Pearson in Paris last month,3 latter had been strong, consistent but sole advocate supply Israel by Canada of F 86’s.
I believe any possibility independent action by Canada in this matter is gone.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 784A.5622/6–2956. Secret; Priority. Received at 3:24 p.m.↩
- See Document 404.↩
- See Document 325.↩