267. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, September 26, 19561
SUBJECT
- Security Council Consideration of Suez Issue
PARTICIPANTS
- Mr. Zev Argaman, Minister Counselor, Embassy of Israel
- Mr. Shimshon Arad, First Secretary, Embassy of Israel
- Assistant Secretary Wilcox, IO
- Mr. Ware Adams, UNP
- Mr. Lincoln P. Bloomfield, IO
The Israelis called at their request to ascertain what will happen in the Security Council and what lay behind the timing of the British-French move.
Mr. Wilcox explained that after having exhausted attempts under Article 33 of the Charter, considerable sentiment developed at the second London meeting for some form of UN action. We had [Page 583] been somewhat taken by surprise by the timing of the British-French initiative, but while we cannot foresee in detail the outcome, our continued hope is for a peaceful settlement that will be satisfactory to the principal users of the canal.
In answer to Mr. Argaman’s inquiry as to the possibility of fruitful Security Council action in the face of a probable Soviet veto, Mr. Wilcox mentioned the possibility of provisional measures under Articles 36, 37, or 40, as well as some procedural steps that might be possible.
Mr. Argaman then came to what was obviously his chief concern: the possibility that the Israeli shipping problem will be dealt with in the course of the Security Council discussion. Mr. Wilcox felt that undoubtedly this issue would be referred to in the course of the debate.
In answer to Mr. Wilcox’s inquiry, Mr. Argaman confirmed that a request had already been made to the Secretary General for Israeli participation in the forthcoming debate. He did not expect this request to be taken up until next week. He did not agree that the main issue might be confused by the possibility that all the Arab states might now insist on their right to take part.
Mr. Wilcox expressed his keen disappointment with the Israeli action yesterday along the Jordanian border,2 deploring not only the size and intensity of the Israeli raid, but its inevitable effect on Security Council action. Mr. Argaman replied that the timing was related to events along the border rather than events in New York. He did say that the Israeli Foreign Minister had just telephoned General Burns informing him of Israel’s readiness to execute a ceasefire as soon as similar assurances are received from Jordan. He stated that for four months Israel has refrained from reacting to Jordanian attacks, and has suffered a number of casualties in this period. Mr. Wilcox stated that the Secretary General is becoming discouraged with the mounting breaches in the Armistice, and registered the hope that order will be restored quickly.
Mr. Bloomfield inquired as to whether the Israeli Government has any thoughts or predictions regarding Security Council action on the Suez matter. Mr. Argaman replied that they can foresee no constructive result at this time, but if SCUA can organize, and if Egypt then blocks a SCUA convoy, a sound case can then be taken to the Council.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 974.7301/9–2656. Confidential. Drafted by Bloomfield.↩
- On the night of September 25, Israeli Defense Forces launched an attack against Jordanian military and police positions south of Jerusalem. See footnote 2, Document 279.↩