241. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic1
343, Cairo’s 289.2UAR Ambassador Kamel saw Lewis Jones July 29 without instructions3 to lodge complaint re New York Times editorial July 28 entitled “The Two Nassers” which highly critical Nasser’s recent public statements replying Dayan article (Tel Aviv’s 105 not rptd all addressees).4 Editorial characterized Nasser’s comments re Sinai campaign as “height of foolishness”, asserted “this is kind of tosh offered unhappy people UAR on one of their great holidays”, and raised question “whether person who talks as irresponsibly as Nasser is worthy representative his people, good subject for international credit, or guarantee of something representing peace and civilization in Middle East.”
Kamel asserted Times editorial constituted not only scurrilous personal attack but also indirect call to UAR people to overthrow regime. While article by itself bad enough, Kamel alleged broader issue was that it represented part calculated policy by Israel and its friends in US sow dissension between USG and Arabs. Noting moderate tone Nasser’s speech July 22, Kamel inquired rhetorically what Nasser could have been expected say in later speeches following publication Dayan article July 24. UAR Ambassador concluded article part basic and deliberate Israeli policy maintain and exacerbate tension between US and UAR. Requested Dept take steps both prevent recurrence publication such material and frustrate all maneuvers designed worsen US-Arab relations.
Jones replied he personally had also been troubled by Dayan article. Noted, however, Dayan not member GOI and that article had been published in context Israeli electoral campaign. While Times had distinguished history, its editorial page not infrequently at variance US policy. Editorial about which Kamel complained certainly hardly calculated further normalization US–UAR relations which our two governments working achieve. Noting Nasser had already made two replies Dayan article, Jones expressed view best course would appear be let issue fade from public view.
[Page 544]Kamel asked his comments be called to attention Acting Secretary and suggested US Chargé Cairo be instructed convey sense of comments Jones had just made to Nasser “since I know he must feel very deeply”. Jones promised bring Kamel’s comments to attention Acting Secretary and to inform Embassy Cairo.
For Cairo: While Dept believes unnecessary for Chargé see Nasser specially re foregoing, you authorized if you believe desirable pass message to him via special channel stating (a) Dept has noted Nasser’s concern re New York Times editorial contained his Idinfa speech; (b) tone editorial this private newspaper not in accord USG policy continue improve relations with UAR; (c) Dept had also been troubled by Dayan article, believing as we do that inflammatory declarations by either Israeli or Arab leaders can hardly serve useful purpose, and (d) we would hope matter might now be permitted fade from public mind.
For Tel Aviv: Understand Eban has given effective reply Dayan emphasizing quiet diplomacy rather than threats preferable method dealing with Arab-Israeli problems. Embassy requested transmit text together with brief telegraphic summary. Embassy should also take appropriate opportunity emphasize to Israeli officials that, while statements by private individuals such as Dayan obviously cannot reflect GOI policy, Dept firmly believes that inflammatory declarations by either Arab or Israeli public figures can hardly serve a useful purpose.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 786B.00/7–2759. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Brewer, cleared with NEA/P in substance, and approved and signed for Dillon by Jones. Pouched to Paris, Amman, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Moscow, Ankara, and USUN.↩
- Telegram 289, July 27, summarized Nasser’s speech at Alexandria on that day, which was in part a reply to an article by Dayan in the Jerusalem Post on July 27. (Ibid.)↩
- A memorandum of the conversation and a briefing paper for it are ibid., 611.86B/7–2959.↩
- Telegram 105, July 27, summarized Dayan’s article. (Ibid., 684A.86B/7–2759)↩