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

161. Memorandum by the Secretary of State¹

Washington, February 26, 1957.

1. Israel announces that it is making a complete withdrawal in accordance with the United Nations Resolutions.

2. It further announces

a. That it is its understanding that on its withdrawal, the United Nations Forces will be deployed in Gaza, as contemplated by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 2 February and that the United Nations will exercise the role in the administration of the Gaza Strip described by the Secretary General in his statement of 22 February.

b. That it is Israel’s hope that the above mentioned role of the United Nations in the administration will continue for a transitory period until there is a permanent settlement.

c. That if Egypt creates in the Gaza Strip conditions which failed to comply with the Armistice Agreement and [its international obligations and] indicated a return to the condition of deterioration which had previously come about, Israel would reserve its freedom to act to defend its rights [.] under the Armistice Agreement.

3. The United States and such other states as so decide will make a statement in the United Nations:

a. Taking note of the Israel statement.

b. Declaring its hope that the above mentioned role of the United Nations in the administration will continue for a transitory period until there is a permanent settlement, and that in the meantime there will be a strict compliance of both parties with the terms of the Armistice Agreement.[with their international obligations.]

c. If after Israeli withdrawal in accordance with the United Nations Resolutions, there is a recurrence of belligerency or a violation of the Armistice Agreement [international obligations], then this will create a situation calling for United Nations consideration, and the United States will consult with other members of the United Nations to consider action within and without the United Nations appropriate to the circumstances to bring about a settlement in conformity with the principles of justice and international law.

[d. That these nations will immediately upon withdrawal devote their prompt and utmost efforts toward the settlement of the outstanding problems in the region.]

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles–Herter Series. Drafted by Dulles. A typed notation on the source text indicates that this is a second draft. A first draft of the memorandum by Phleger is in Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/2–2657. It bears a handwritten notation: “Sec took to WH”. Eisenhower’s handwritten changes appear on the White House copy of the memorandum, and evidently were made during the conversation with Mollet and Pineau which began at 2:30 p.m. on February 26. (See the memorandum of conversation, supra.) Cancelled type indicates deletions; brackets indicate additions made in Eisenhower’s hand.