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

425. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State¹

Cairo, July 5, 1956—3 p.m.

17. Met with Burns yesterday at his request. He referred to his conversations with Ben Gurion and Myerson (elsewhere reported)² and described his talks in Jordan with Hussein and Abu Nuwwar.³ He said that both had assured him that Jordan was doing its best avoid border incidents. However Jordan would be compelled respond any Israeli attack and would be supported by all other Arab States. Burns said he had told Jordanians of Israeli complaint that “provocative” speeches by Jordanian leaders were not conducive to maintenance calm along borders. Hussein would make no commitments in this respect reiterating fundamental Arab position that Palestine was Arab territory.

Bums communicated views Ben Gurion and Myerson to Fawzi July 3 and urged Egyptians use any influence available to them to help maintain calm. Fawzi replied Egypt’s policy was to avoid tension and Egypt would do what it could.

Among specifics which Bums discussed with Gohar were:

1. Marking of DL in Gaza area (Jerusalem’s 2⁴)—Burns told Egyptians Israelis unwilling allow UNTSO mark DZ and suggested Israelis and Egyptians might proceed mark DL in their respective sides. Gohar replied that if UNTSO officially informed Egyptians of Israelis unwillingness cooperate with UN, Egyptians would be prepared study such other proposals as UNTSO might make especially Israeli marking on Israeli side. Burns characterized Israeli position this point as consistent pattern of minimizing functions of UNTSO.

2. Al Auja—Gohar raised question “kibbutz” at Bir Ain in DZ. Burns replied legality of kubbutzes DZ had been submitted to SC by Egypt although latter had not been pressed for SC consideration. He therefore considered question matter for SC, not UNTSO. Burns is of opinion camp (whether kibbutz or not) is probably “military installation”.

3. No progress on resumption MAC meetings. Gohar reiterated his previous proposal that MAC could meet alternatively in Al Auja and at K 95 but said Egyptians were willing consider any other proposals Israelis might make. Burns considers Egyptian tactic due their desire avoid UNTSO proposals in derogation strict terms GAA believing such modification would subsequently be used by Israelis argue UNTSO had by implication acquiesced in Israeli occupation DZ.

4. Prisoners of war—Burns said Israelis had asked him raise specifically with Egyptians question prisoners of war exchange. Exchange has been complicated by problem of definition. Egypt held three Israelis including two “policemen” captured in region AI Auja. Israelis held 16 commandos in addition to 57 soldiers captured at Kuntilla and Sabha. Israelis had contended commandos were not prisoners of war but spies although they had charged during commando raids that commandos were part of Egyptian regular forces. At same time Israelis had difficulty accepting Egyptian contention “police” should be included in exchange as prisoners of war. Burns made no progress since Egyptians continue insist on total exchange. Burns had also been asked raise question of Greek ship.⁵ Burns had not done so, however, since he knew nothing about case which had never been subject formal complaint to UNTSO.

Asked Burns whether it was true as press had reported that Secretary General was expected in area within next two weeks.⁶ Burns confirmed Secretary General was expected in Jerusalem but he had not heard that he might visit Cairo as press had suggested. He commented that news had obviously been “leaked” but he was not sure by whom.

Burns seemed satisfied Jordan and Egypt doing best they can avoid flareup but recognizes matter largely in hands Israelis. He said he intends express to Israelis strong rejection Ben Gurion theory that retaliation is permissible and will point out regarding Mount Scopus that Israel’s remedy is to seek reactivation committee. …

Meanwhile press today under headlines Israel masses forces to threaten in editorials linking reports troop concentrations to Sharett ouster, Jordan front–pages Jordanian reports of Burns mission and affirms Arab determination repel any Israeli attack.

Byroade

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/7–556. Confidential. Received at 8:20 p.m. Repeated to Amman, Damascus, Beirut, London, Paris, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Jidda.
2. See Documents 417 and 418.
3. See Document 421.
4. Document 422.
5. See footnote 8, Document 419.
6. On July 10, U.N. Secretary–General Hammarskjöld announced his intention to visit Israel and Egypt July 19–22 as a followup to his previous peacekeeping mission.