482. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Canada1
Washington, July 20,
1956—9:26 p.m.
33. Eyes only Ambassador from the Secretary. Embtel 31.2
- 1.
- Immediately following telegram contains text proposed US announcement re Operation Stockpile.3 We attach utmost importance to secrecy. Announcement does not mention types of supplies and we intend take every precaution against this information becoming known even after statement issued.4 We have not yet reached decision re time of announcement but are considering release first part August. We will wish take into account Hammarskjold report on his trip to NE. You may communicate above to Pearson for his and Prime Minister’s personal and confidential information. (All matters related to Operation Stockpile should be given Top Secret handling).
- 2.
- In context of arrangement involving release by Canada of 12 F–86’s, US prepared approve starting immediately export helicopters, machine guns, and scout cars. Items would not be released simultaneously. US has never publicly announced granting of arms export [Page 877] licenses to any country and would not wish create precedent by public announcement these transactions. However, US would officially inform Canadian Government when licenses issued. To avoid impression concerted action we do not wish to relate two matters directly.
- 3.
- US would prefer avoid multipartite Ambassadorial consultation in Washington because of security and other problems created as well as risk of giving false impression that West coordinating massive arms program for Israel. We would welcome opportunity discuss these matters confidentially with representative External Affairs in Washington. Among aspects which could be usefully considered together would be timing, quantities, and means of using these transactions as incentives induce Israel give fullest cooperation to UN and UNTSO.
Dulles