Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XIX, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1967

270. Memorandum for the Record¹

Washington, June 12, 1967.

SUBJECT

• Minutes of NSC Special Committee, 6:30 p.m. Monday, 12 June in the Cabinet Room

1. After reviewing the Israeli Government’s reply to our note protesting its attack on the U.S.S. Liberty, the Committee decided (a) to clear up our own preliminary understanding of the facts surrounding the attack and (b) to suggest unofficially to the Israelis that they take back their note and rewrite it in a more moderate vein.

2. The Committee agreed it is important to learn as much as we can about Israeli and Jordanian intentions. However, members felt strong reservations about approaching either government formally now for fear of solidifying unreasonable demands. The President approved informal soundings in both capitals.

3. The President instructed the Acting Secretary of State to pursue a proposal for having the President of the UN Security Council call on all Middle East arms suppliers to register future arms shipments with the UN.

4. The President indicated a strong desire not to have the USG out in front on emergency relief operations. The Committee decided to hold off a US decision for a couple of days.

5. The Committee agreed that we should encourage George Woods to take the lead in longer term Middle East regional development planning.

McGeorge Bundy²

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Special Committee Files, Special Committee Meetings. Secret. Also see Document 269.
2. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.