423. Memorandum From the Representative of the British Chiefs of Staff (Denny) to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Radford)1
SUBJECT
- American Action in the Event of Arab Aggression
On the instructions of the United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff I am writing to you in connection with recent discussions between the State Department and the Foreign Office on the United States proposal to provide Israel with a number of F.86 aircraft in the event of Arab aggression against that country.
2. As you will be aware the United Kingdom has agreed that planning for this operation should proceed on the assumption that the aircraft could be transferred in Cyprus. At the same time it was proposed through diplomatic channels that further discussions could now best be conducted between the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff and the B.J.S.M. and it is hoped that this arrangement is agreeable to the Joint Chiefs.2
3. In anticipation of these discussions, the United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff are currently engaged in a study of the proposal as it would affect the United Kingdom and, in particular, in connection with the arrangements which would be required on Cyprus. To assist them to make a realistic study they have asked me to obtain certain additional information.
4. In making this request the United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff wish to point out that the facilities and accommodation in Cyprus would be at a premium in conditions envisaged and the handover to the Israelis would have to be carefully phased in, if offensive operations were not to be prejudiced. While therefore appreciating that the Joint Chiefs of Staff ideas may not be finalised at this time [Page 774] they would be grateful for the following information as early as possible:
(i) Number of aircraft involved and rate of flow.
(ii) Will the handover arrangements be planned to phase in with the proposed redeployment of U.S.A.F. F.86 units to Cyprus.
(iii) Approximate size of handover and servicing parties for accommodation purposes.
(iv) Will main logistic backing necessary for Israeli operation of F.86’s be passed through Cyprus or shipped direct.
(v) Confirmation that no training or familiarization for Israeli pilots will be required in Cyprus.
5. In addition to these specific queries the United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff have suggested that as it has been proposed that detailed planning for operations under the Tripartite Declaration should eventually take place in Cyprus or London, it might be desirable to undertake planning for the F.86 handover, as it affects the United Kingdom, at that time. The United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff would be glad to have the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff views on this proposal.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 784A.5622/7–556. Top Secret.↩
- See Document 402.↩
- The U.S. reply, handed to Makins on July 16, is printed as the attachment to Document 462.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩