60. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1
Delga 664. Re Palestine/Israel withdrawal. Fawzi (Egypt) called on Lodge at his request. He had just come from conversation with SYG. Fawzi said in view Israeli negative attitude regarding withdrawal, he had no choice but to insist on an immediate meeting of Assembly, even if it were only to receive report that Israelis had not complied. He said he was under great pressure from many sources, particularly Cairo, to make some move since it was known even before resolutions were passed that Israel would not comply.
Fawzi then said he felt it desirable to maintain steady progress in direction of better understanding between U.S. and Arab world. As example of this, 10 days ago they could not have believed there would be such statements as had been made by KingSaud during his Washington visit. Fawzi said he referred to both public and private statements. Fawzi expressed gratification at Saud’s statements, saying Washington should get every credit for part it had played in these. He went on to say that he did not want to see moment arrive when things failed in UN, regardless of where blame might lie. He felt it useful to continue approach followed thus far, saying this was question belonging to whole of UN. He suggested sponsors of last 2 resolutions should consult regarding further steps, should Israel continue not to comply. Egypt, if it were acting on its own, would have to propose action such as that taken in the case of Red China’s aggression in Korea, namely sanctions. They could not do otherwise with regard to Israel.
[Page 96]Fawzi said he merely wanted to put these ideas before us. He realized KingSaud and his advisers were in touch with Department and Secretary in Washington, but there was, he said, interdependence of two operations.
In reply, Lodge said before we consulted with sponsors U.S. had to make up its own mind. He said he could assure Fawzi that whole question was under very active study in Washington and in forefront of Washington’s mind. He said he would report Fawzi’s views but could say nothing more for time being.
As he took leave, Fawzi said there was good solid bridgehead established by U.S. and UN, but competent general cannot stop merely at bridgehead. He must spread out or it might be better never to have established his bridgehead. Fawzi concluded by saying this would be in everyone’s interest. It even in Israel’s long-run interest for her existence “in the area”.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/2–557. Confidential; Niact. Received at 9:13 p.m.↩