390. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
1282. Eyes only Chief of Mission, DLG, RLG, PLG. Reports2 [Page 797] reaching Department re increased tensions in area focused primarily upon Jordanian situation lead us call matter your attention in context security American citizens. While we do not of course know intentions Government Israel, indications heavy mobilization point to possible military action of some nature perhaps within next few hours. We have FYI today dispatched message Ben Gurion urging great caution. While we hope this critical period will pass without serious incident you should be aware existing possibilities.
While we hope that our concern proves unjustified, we nevertheless feel you should be aware that situation disquieting. We therefore urge mission be on alert. All members should be immediately available to meet emergencies. We leave to your discretion what if any action be taken at this juncture in matter of affording protection US nationals. Department giving constant consideration evacuation question and will do utmost keep you informed whether existing Phase I should on basis information as it comes in be altered in direction making greater effort reduce Americans in addressee countries. It of course possible events might move so fast you may find it necessary take urgent action before messages from Department can reach you. In meantime Department relies on your judgment as to what you should do. You understand our problem. On one hand it would be unfortunate if untimely and hasty departures of US citizens apparently in state of alarm should make international situation in area more explosive than it is at present; on other hand there might be tragic developments if events should overtake us with result that large numbers US citizens would find themselves in war arena surrounded by fanatical and irresponsible mobs.
For period immediately ahead would appear greatest danger lies in Jordan in view unsettled situation generally and fact any Israeli action likely involve that country. Other estimates, however, indicate action planned against Egypt as reprisal recent incidents.
Cyprus being requested keep communication channels open on emergency basis. Tel Aviv, Jordan, Damascus, Cairo, Jerusalem and Beirut should assume twenty-four hour communications watch.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/10–2756. Top Secret; Niact. Drafted by Henderson and Rountree, cleared by Howe, and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Also sent Niact to Amman and Damascus and repeated Niact to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dhahran, Rome, Jerusalem, and Paris.↩
- In telegram 420, October 27, the Embassy in Tel Aviv reported that the Israeli call-up of reservists and civilian vehicles continued through the night and into the morning of October 27 and that the consensus was that Israeli partial mobilization had reached a point beyond that at any previous time. Moreover, according to a newspaper source, Israeli military censors were banning any press reference to these activities. The Embassy also noted that, while the previous day the Foreign Ministry had connected the partial mobilization with events in the east, Embassy observers were reporting principal troop movements in the south with the heaviest concentrations in the Rehovot and Negba areas. (Ibid.)↩