417. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State1
2055. Min saw Joxe this morning and inquired French position re United States draft SC resolution (Deptel 1557).2 Joxe replied French Govt strongly opposes this draft and could not join in any resolution condemning Israel. He listed long series Egyptian provocations, including denial transit Canal to Israeli vessels, radio propaganda and commando raids within past few days, as full justification for Israeli “retaliation.” He was unresponsive to points we made at [Page 848] some length to effect that 1) while numerous provocations had occurred on both sides, none justified present act of war; 2) United States Government deeply concerned at probable repercussions Israeli action throughout Arab world both as to involvement other Arab states in hostilities and as to likely deterioration Western position throughout Moslem world; and 3) sure advantages to be gained by Soviets from this situation and possibility their indirect involvement if hostilities persist.
In response our query what alternative French had to our draft resolution, Joxe replied we must work toward cease-fire by appealing to both parties and condemning neither. He was unwilling to express a view as to whether Israelis would respond to an SC appeal for cease-fire.
We had impression Joxe was under instructions to tell US as little as possible at this time. He asked us however to call on him again late this afternoon after return Mollet and Pineau from London. We shall of course do so.
Ambassador3 will be back in Paris tomorrow morning.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/10–3056. Secret; Niact. Received at 8:59 a.m. Repeated Niact to USUN and to London.↩
- Telegram 1557 to Paris, October 29, contained the text of the draft Security Council resolution printed as Tab A to Document 409.↩
- Dillon had been in southern France. During his absence the Embassy continued to sign his name to telegrams.↩