Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1957, Volume XVII

125. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the President and the Secretary of State, Washington, February 21, 1957, 11:40 a.m.¹

Washington, February 21, 1957, 11:40 a.m.

TELEPHONE CALL TO THE PRESIDENT

They agreed the message² is bad news. The Pres said it looked uncertain and each encouraged the other. The Pres said it is going to be tough up there. The Sec said it is up tomorrow.

The Pres said Whitney asked when an amb comes to a mtg does he bring his min. The Sec said no.

The Pres asked if there will be more mtgs to decide what to do. The Sec said he is working on a form of res we might introduce or support. When he gets it worked out he will want to talk with him about it. The Sec is not going as far as a lot would like to have us go, but there is no use going further than you can carry public opinion with you. The Pres said you have to keep the thinking of America behind you. The Pres said he must say this stubborn attitude finally gets you down. The Sec said he would have bet odds in favor of their giving in. The Sec assumes BG has talked with Eban.³

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, White House Telephone Conversations. Transcribed by Bernau.
2. Reference is to Ben Gurion’s message to Eisenhower in telegram 990, supra.
3. At 2:58 p.m. on February 21, Dulles sent Lawson the following Niact cable: “Regret probably impossible further postpone UN consideration but will strive delay formulation there of US position and final UN action until Eban returns.” (Telegram 812 to Tel Aviv, February 21; Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/2–2157)