457. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations1
13. For Lodge from Secretary. Following should be discussed orally with Cordier:
“We believe that the British have already informed Hammarskjold of the informal proposals which the Egyptian Foreign Minister has made to them and to us of steps that might be taken toward a Palestine settlement. Subsequent conversations which our Ambassador has had with Fawzi leave some question as to the firmness of the suggestions. Nevertheless, Fawzi has informed us that he intends to discuss the matter with Hammarskjold when he is in Cairo. In view of the fact that Fawzi has broached the proposals to us, Hammarskjold may wish to have our reactions to them.
The United States would welcome any exploratory talks with the parties to the dispute such as Fawzi suggested as a first phase. In particular, it would seem to us useful if the Egyptians and the Israelis were to indicate their general thinking on the terms of a possible settlement. The mere fact of discussions looking toward a settlement would seem to be all to the good.
With respect to Fawzi’s proposal for a group to be composed of the UK, US, USSR, India and Pakistan to make recommendations resolving the gap in the positions of the two sides, it is our belief that such a group would be unwise. Experience to date has shown that a multi-lateral group of this kind has not proven to be suitable for this purpose. Moreover, it is our belief that discussions among major powers on questions relating to the Palestine problem should take place within the framework of the Security Council which is presently seized of this problem.
Hammarskjold will, of course, have our support in any effort that he may find it possible to make in bringing the two sides toward a settlement of their dispute.”2
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/7–1356. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Russell; cleared with Allen, Wilcox, and MacArthur; and approved by Dulles. Repeated to Cairo and London on July 16. (Ibid., 674.84A/7–1656)↩
- In connection with these instructions, Lodge reported the following on
July 16: “Crosthwaite (UK) informed us UK Delegation heard today from UK Embassy Washington that we intended inform SYG
Hammarskjold thru Cordier of
Egyptian demarche and our reactions. He urged in interest of
security that we reconsider using this channel to SYG. We later informed Crosthwaite of Department’s
continuing desire we act in accordance reftel. Crosthwaite said he would have to
protest.
“Fawzi had made it clear they would repudiate their position in event of leak and UK felt that while Egyptian initiative might not be productive it was important enough not to jeopardize it. Suggest Department consider informing SYG via Geneva. We understand SYG leaves Geneva 7 p.m. on 18th.” (Telegram 52 from USUN; Ibid., 674.84A/7–1656)
↩