170. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1
720. Barring unforeseen developments Israel will announce March 1 withdrawal Sharm el-Sheikh and Gaza. Following for your background and guidance in discussions with local Middle East addressee (except Israeli) governments only on assumption this announcement is made.
As reaffirmed by President February 20, US has been prepared support UN pressures against Israel to effect withdrawal in accordance pertinent resolutions. At same time, US has exerted every effort directly with Israel to effect immediate withdrawal. We have had in mind that even with UN sanctions resolution Israeli withdrawal might be long delayed. Israel has now stated that it will announce in GA March 1 complete withdrawal in accordance UN resolutions. We understand Israel will say this action is based upon certain assumptions or expectations notably re deployment of UN forces and role of the UN in administration of Gaza in accordance pertinent UN resolutions and reports of Secretary General. (Further details re Israeli assumptions will follow). Israel will also make clear that in withdrawing it reserves its rights under Article 51 of Charter to defend its interests re any possible future incursions from Gaza or interference use of Straits in accordance with international law.
Planned US and other nations in GA will take note of Israeli statement and express their attitude regarding certain pertinent aspects of situation which would then exist. Substance US views as set forth Aide-Mémoire February 11 (made public on February 20 and communicated [Page 321] through USIA channels) will be reasserted and expanded in GA statement. This will include statement US attitude toward transit of Straits, US hope that UN role in administration of Gaza will continue along lines set forth by Secretary General on February 22 for transitory period until final settlement; belief that conditions for peace should be vigorously sought; and hope that in meantime there will be strict compliance of both parties with their international obligations. If after Israeli withdrawal in accordance UN resolution there should be recurrence of belligerency or violation of international obligations, situation will be created calling for UN consideration and US will consult with other members UN to consider action within and without UN appropriate in circumstances to bring about settlement in conformity with principles of justice and international law.
Every effort should be made locally to place Israeli withdrawal in context successful US effort to achieve purposes UN resolutions without rewarding Israel for military operation. Withdrawal gives Israel nothing to which she was not already entitled (e.g. right to transit Straits in accordance international law and Egyptian note to US Ambassador January 28, 1950) once state of belligerency on part of Israel ended. Also it makes less likely reestablishment of conditions in Gaza which would lead to hostilities that area. Assumption stated by Israel as basis for withdrawal already covered by UN resolutions and Secretary General reports, or are inherent sovereign rights. US has made no unpublicized commitments to Israel regarding Israeli withdrawal and given Israel no guarantees. We have held fast to the original position expressed in President Eisenhower’s address of Feb. 20. US will however note Israeli statement and recall previously announced US positions in pertinent matters. Any rumors of secret US-Israeli understandings or commitments may be vigorously denied.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/2–2857. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Rountree, cleared with Dulles and Phleger in draft, and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Sent to Ottawa, Cairo, Paris, New Delhi, Tehran, Baghdad, Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut, Tripoli, Islamabad, Jidda, Damascus, Ankara, and London.↩