Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XVIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1964–1967

89. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson¹

Washington, August 12, 1964.

SUBJECT

• Second McCloy Mission on Near East Arms

Mr. John J. McCloy has agreed to make another probe of Nasser’s intentions regarding Near East arms limitation. Mr. McCloy’s first probe in June 1963 was followed up by others and eventually resulted in Nasser’s letter of July 26, 1964. In that letter Nasser assured you the UAR would not introduce or develop weapons of total destruction. The dialogue begun by Mr. McCloy probably also influenced the UAR to introduce the resolution on nuclear non-acquisition at the recent Cairo meeting of the Organization of African Unity. In our view Nasser’s letter together with the OAU resolution satisfy our requirements so far as UAR intentions toward nuclear weapons acquisition are concerned.

The purpose of the present probe is to pursue the question of restraining the surface-to-surface missile rivalry between the UAR and Israel. Mr. McCloy’s objective is to let Nasser know we believe we can convince Israel to exercise nuclear and missile self-denial if Nasser will limit his acquisition of major offensive missiles either to the number he now has or to a low ceiling. He will present specific proposals for an arrangement by which this might be done.

Mr. McCloy will see you on August 13 for a final briefing. The following are suggested points:

1. Thank Mr. McCloy for undertaking this new mission.

2. Request he emphasize to Nasser that you share President Kennedy’s strong desire for peace in the Near East. This is why you have asked him to see Nasser again.

3. Ask him to deliver your reply to Nasser’s letter of July 26 (proposed reply submitted separately)² and to express personally your gratification for Nasser’s response and your understanding of the commitments he has made.

4. Tell Mr. McCloy you recognize he has a difficult mission. We would be surprised if Nasser accepted immediately proposals that would freeze his missile effort. Your hope is that this new probe will lay the foundations for frank discussions of the missile question with Ambassador Battle. It will be the important opening session in a dialogue that we hope will convince Nasser to adopt as statesmanlike position on missiles as he has on acquisition of nuclear weapons.

Mr. Phillips Talbot, Assistant Secretary for Near East and South Asian Affairs, will also attend the meeting.

Dean Rusk

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, United Arab Republic, Vol. II. Top Secret;Exdis. The memorandum does not include drafting information, but another copy indicates it was cleared by Talbot and Gathright. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 7 US/McCLOY) An attached note in Komer’s handwriting states that the memorandum was not used since Johnson was not going to see McCloy, but Johnson did meet with McCloy for 5 minutes on August 14. (Johnson Library, President’s Daily Diary) An August 15 note from Dickman to Symmes states that McCloy said he had briefly outlined the high points of his proposed presentation to Nasser, and the President commented that this seemed to make sense and that he hoped Nasser would view McCloy’s presence as a symbolic link between the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. (Department of State,NEA/IAI Files: Lot 72 D 438, Background Papers for 2nd McCloy Probe w/Nasser, 9/64)
2. Document 90.