Office of the Historian

507. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1

Washington, July 26, 1956—7:29 p.m.

71. For Ambassador. You are requested seek immediate appointment with Prime Minister and make following representations in strongest terms:

USG deeply concerned at continuing incidents along HKJ–Israel armistice line. Without sincere efforts by both parties situation can easily deteriorate further with consequences no one can foretell. USG not in position assess blame for specific incidents. This is function of MAC. We urge strongest and most complete cooperation with MAC and UNTSO in carrying out of measures aimed at reducing present tensions.

Frankness impels us communicate to Prime Minister US concern at number of reports in press and elsewhere which appear indicate preoccupation Israel Government with “right of retaliation.” USG views on this well known to Israel (Deptel 372).

Especially deplorable has been wounding of several UNTSO observers while engaged in attempts pacify situation. UN personnel should be afforded maximum protection. USG urges Government Israel take all possible measures avoid further bloodshed. USG making similar representations to Jordan Government.3

FYI USG taking above initiative at request UNSYG who curtailing leave Sweden flying New York view present Palestine tension. [Page 904] UNSYG has requested US, UK, France, USSR make strongest possible representations both sides urgently.4 End FYI.

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/7–2656. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Bergus and Burdett; cleared by Murphy, Wilcox, and Allen; and approved by Burdett who signed for Hoover. Repeated priority to USUN, Amman, and London; pouched to Paris, Moscow, and Jerusalem.↩
  2. Document 461.↩
  3. See infra.↩
  4. See supra.↩