92. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1
681. Joint State-USIA message. Following for guidance response queries re Washington news stories February 122 that US will support free navigation Gulf Aqaba and UNEF control Gaza.
US position is: We have been exerting strong efforts on behalf implementation GA resolutions arising out of hostilities in Egypt. US stands for unconditional Israel withdrawal from Gaza and area of Straits of Aqaba. At same time US believes that waters of Gulf Aqaba [Page 152] have international character. We understand GOE holds same view since in memo to US Embassy in Cairo January 28, 1950 it said it had occupied Tiran and Senafir Islands at entrance to Gulf Aqaba solely for purpose protecting islands and that “this occupation being in no way conceived in a spirit of obstructing in any way innocent passage through stretch of water separating these two islands from Egyptian coast of Sinai, it follows that this passage, the only practicable one, will remain free as in past, in conformity with international practice and recognized principles of law of nations.”
In absence some overriding decision to contrary, as by ICJ, US, on behalf vessels of US registry, believes it is entitled to right of free and innocent passage, which should be generally recognized. This view has been communicated to Israel Government together with reiteration US view Israel should comply fully with UN resolutions.
US position on international character Gulf Aqaba is an affirmation by US of its attitude which requires no endorsement other parties.
On Gaza, we believe Israel should withdraw promptly and unconditionally leaving future of Gaza strip to be worked out through efforts and good offices of UN. Because strip is source potential danger we think UNEF should move into area and be on boundary between Israel and Gaza strip.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/2–1357. Official Use Only. Sent to Kabul, Cairo, Paris, Athens, Delhi, Tel Aviv, Rome, Tehran, Baghdad, Amman, Beirut, Tripoli, Rabat, Islamabad, Jidda, Madrid, Khartoum, Damascus, Tunis, Ankara, London, and Algiers.↩
- The New York Times and other newspapers reported on February 12 that the United States was trying to work out a compromise solution for the Arab-Israeli crisis which would involve an Israeli withdrawal from the Sharm el-Sheikh area and the Gaza Strip and a U.S. commitment to support the principle of free passage in the Gulf of Aqaba.↩