229. Message From President Eisenhower to Prime Minister Ben Gurion1
Dear Mr. Prime Minister: I have received your message of March 13 delivered through Ambassador Eban.2 I want you to know that we are following recent developments affecting Gaza with concern and are working hard to the end that the objectives of peace and tranquillity in the area will be achieved.
The United States has made clear its hopes with respect to the situation which should prevail following the Israeli withdrawal. We shall continue to strive to see to it that those hopes materialize. It is, of course, obvious that this will involve many difficulties and will raise questions which the United States alone cannot decide. The problems with which we are confronted have been for a long time in the making, and patience and forebearance are required in our task of seeking a solution to them. I am sure you will agree that it is of the utmost importance that the greatest restraint be exercised by all concerned and that there be avoided any precipitate action which might result in a deterioration of the situation and a risk of undoing all that has been accomplished.
My personal interest in the establishment of stability and tranquillity in the area continues deep. I look forward to continuing close consultation with your Government on the problems involved. With kind regard.
Sincerely yours,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/3–1657. Secret. Transmitted to the Embassy in Tel Aviv for delivery in Niact telegram 883, March 16, which is the source text. Telegram 883 was drafted by Rountree and cleared by Herter and President Eisenhower.↩
- Attachment to Document 218.↩
- Telegram 883 bears this typed signature.↩