448. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the Israeli Ambassador (Eban) and the Special Assistant in the Bureau of Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Burdett), Washington, October 31, 19561
SUBJECT
- Israel
In accordance with the Secretary’s instructions,2 I telephoned Ambassador Eban in New York and spoke to him as follows: The Secretary is now considering economic limitations which we believe it is necessary to impose on Israel. Before making a final decision, the Secretary would like to know the Israel Government’s intentions with respect to the withdrawal of its forces from Egyptian territory. If Ambassador Eban is in a position to give the Secretary any guidance regarding Israel’s intentions, the Secretary would be glad to see the Ambassador right away. If the Ambassador is to see the Secretary tonight, it will have to be before 9 p.m.
Ambassador Eban replied that he had talked with his Prime Minister by telephone today in response to numerous private inquiries regarding Israel’s intentions. He had also seen an “unofficial” telegram regarding Israel’s intentions to the effect that: It is not the Prime Minister’s intention to seize or hold Egyptian territory. The Prime Minister is prepared to propose to the Cabinet the withdrawal of Israel forces, but only if he receives certain reciprocal undertakings from Colonel Nasser through any source and commitments to refrain from hostile acts. I inquired whether the Ambassador could give the Secretary an “official” statement of Israel’s position. He replied that he thought he would be able to do so and would very much like to see the Secretary tonight.
Subsequently Ambassador Eban telephoned again to say that he would be arriving in Washington by plane at 7:15 p.m.3