Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Suez Crisis, July 26–December 31, 1956, Volume XVI

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

Washington, October 10, 1956—7:42 p.m.

287. Embtel 340.² Department continues to believe that entry Iraqi troops into Jordan will have effect of stabilizing situation there and recalls that Ben Gurion had no objection (Jerusalem 91)³ provided Iraqi troops remained east of Jordan. BG’s request for assurances this point and related matters were subsequently met. More detailed information re Iraqi troop movement which GOI has requested must necessarily come from Iraqi sources. We believe UK will shortly provide such information if Nuri agrees.

Our feeling that Iraqi move is in interest area stability, is in no way diminished by statements attributed in London Times to Nuri and by FonOff comment. We have discussed these statements with British Embassy and understand they represent reiteration earlier positions. Statement that USG knows of no plan for Iraqi annexation of Jordan and that we have noted Israel view that present status quo in NE (Deptel 278)⁴ should be maintained should also prove reassuring on this point.

Department has renewed to British Embassy its belief that time has arrived for British Chargé Tel Aviv to make known to Govt Israel that UK favors Iraqi movement of troops to Jordan and that Nuri has reassured UK action was entirely defensive. Department also believed UK which is in touch with Nuri would be in better position to obtain Nuri’s consent to supply information re troop movements to GOI. British Embassy reports that FonOff has said in response our earlier discussion with British (Embtel [Deptel] 284)⁵ that there appeared be case for immediate British approach to GOI.

London has authorized British Chargé talk to Ben Gurion provided Nuri concurs. British Embassy Baghdad has been instructed report to Tel Aviv results its conversation with Nuri on this matter.

Substance of first two paragraphs should be conveyed to FonMin and if possible to BG, at earliest opportunity.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/10–956. Secret. Drafted by Wilkins and Bergus and approved by Wilkins who signed for Hoover. Repeated to London, Baghdad, Amman, and USUN.
2. Document 318.
3. See Document 289.
4. Telegram 278, October 8, transmitted to Tel Aviv a report on U.S. discussion with the British Embassy about the proposed Iraqi troop movements and Israeli concerns regarding the matter. (Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/10–856)
5. Telegram 284 to Tel Aviv, October 9, reported that the British Embassy in Washington had agreed to suggest urgently to the Foreign Office in London that the British Embassy in Tel Aviv immediately discuss the Iraqi troop movement with the Israeli Government. (Ibid., 684A.85/10–956)