319. Editorial Note
On May 7, the Israeli Foreign Ministry gave to the Embassy in Tel Aviv the text of a proposed statement on Richards’ visit to Israel to be issued jointly by Israel and the United States, which the Israeli Cabinet had approved that day. Ambassador Lawson at that time informed the Israeli Foreign Ministry that it had been his understanding that Israel would issue a unilateral statement which the United States Government could endorse. (Telegram 1302 from Tel Aviv, May 7; Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/5–757) On May 10 in Washington, Wilkins directed to Rountree a memorandum, summarizing the content of Lawson’s report and expressing the view “(a) that the language proposed by the Israel Cabinet falls short of its purpose and (b) that it would be preferable to have the Government of Israel issue a more forthright unilateral statement of which we could appropriately take note, such as by a brief public statement by a Departmental spokesman. If the Government of Israel were to decide not to issue a statement, we would have no objection.” Richards concurred in the memorandum. (Memorandum from Wilkins to Rountree, May 10; ibid., 120.1580/5–1057) After several discussions, Eban informed the Department of State on May 18 that his government had reluctantly agreed to the proposal. (Memorandum of conversation by Bergus, May 18; ibid., 611.80/5–1857) The Israeli statement and the Department of State acknowledgment of the Israeli statement were issued on May 21. For texts, see Department of State Bulletin, June 17, 1957, pages 968–969.