290. Telegram From the Department of State to the President’s Special Assistant (Richards), at Asmara1
56. In call at Department April 17 Eban raised matter Richards visit to Israel.2 Stated Israel welcomed visit and objectives and principles US policy as expressed American Doctrine.
Eban said there certain elements re Israel–USSR relations which Israelis would explain to Richards. USSR has restored diplomatic relations with Israel but continued issue menacing and provocative statements on Arab-Israel problem. In parts of Soviet orbit Jewish emigration to Israel taking place. Israel thought it would be unwise make violent statements against USSR in communiqué to be issued at close Richards visit as this might provoke further USSR attempt exploit Arab-Israel problem and jeopardize Jewish emigration. Rountree replied not our purpose elicit long anti-USSR pronouncements but to identify common purposes, recognize dangers and state determination preserve independence in face these dangers. Foresaw no difficulty in drafting communiqué.
Eban made strong plea for grant of funds to Israel in context Richards mission. Would be disturbing to Israelis if they felt they excluded from this aspect program. If large sums not available during current fiscal year Israel would attach value to some project symbolizing new program. Israelis had studied legislative history American Doctrine and felt that it could not justify Israel’s exclusion. Israelis planned suggest to Richards ways for economic cooperation under Doctrine.
Rountree replied Richards mission prepared discuss that aspect with GOI. Eban was correct in saying there no legislative history re intention make exception in case Israel. Rountree wished make two observations: 1) Richards money came from funds previously appropriated, there had been no windfall; 2) in those countries where we [Page 553] had economic programs in being it was not intended have any particular concentration of funds. Richards had discussed this aspect elsewhere and would be discussing it in Tel Aviv. Eban expressed hope there could be middle ground between special concentration of funds and non-representation. FYIKollek now in Washington has indicated Israelis will seek one to five million from Richards for symbolic project. End FYI.
On other economic matters Eban pressed for early definitive action view April 30 deadline. Rountree said he had confirmed there nothing else Dept State must do and that ICA now in position it was before interruption of last October. Eban reported Eximbank now planned send mission to Israel July 6. Eban urged Dept persuade Bank advance date. Said Israel hoped might still be possible commence work on projects financed by Bank prior to 1957 rainy season. Said great desire get on with water development in Israel, if this project went slowly then could expect pressures expedite development Jordan waters. Added Israel under considerable internal stress, anything constructive US could do would help those who had based Israel policy on cooperation with US. Rountree said he would discuss with Bank and see if mission could be expedited.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/4–1857. Confidential. Drafted by Bergus and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Tel Aviv.↩
- Shortly after the announcement in January that Ambassador Richards would be visiting the Middle East in order to promote the Eisenhower Doctrine, the Israeli Foreign Ministry conveyed to the Embassy in Tel Aviv the Israeli Government’s desire that Israel be included in Richards’ itinerary. One month later, in response to a formal U.S. announcement of Richards’ visit, it notified the Embassy in writing that the Government of Israel “would welcome the visit by Ambassador Richards to Israel in order to discuss the Middle East proposals of President Eisenhower”. (Telegram 897, January 29; ibid., 120.1580/1–2857; telegram 1008, February 27; ibid., 120.1580/2–2857; and telegram 1030, March 5; ibid., 120.1580/3–557; all from Tel Aviv)↩