528. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1

2368. 1. At mtg with Eban Nov. 17 a.m. Goldberg said LAs appear to be running for cover in effort avoid US–UK-Israeli approaches to them in capitals. He said our Ambs have instructions to tell LAs as fols: UK draft res is quite tough on Israel. Nevertheless, if LA refrain from submitting own draft and give their support to UK draft, it is our judgment both Arabs and Israel will give grudging acceptance to UK draft.

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2. Eban said he has instructions that moment LA draft is submitted, he must issue statement saying Israel cannot comply with or cooperate with UN rep sent under LA res. He said he had advised Ruda (Argentina) yesterday evening that he had recommended to Tel Aviv that Israel cooperate with UN rep sent under UK res. But recommendation conditional upon LAs refraining from submitting their own text.

3. Goldberg advised Eban that Riad had sent three-point reply to Goldberg’s approach to Riad on Nov. 16 as fols: (a) UAR appreciates US interest and effort; (b) has given careful consideration to US suggestions; and (c) on careful analysis, UAR has decided US proposals did not go further than previous US text and, thus, SC should proceed.2 Stressing he was speaking off the record, Eban said he felt it had been a good move for US to make proposals to Riad and for Israel not to object thereto.

4. Eban asked if LAs did not submit their res today whether Sovs would seek to amend UK draft. Goldberg replied this would undoubtedly happen and that, at minimum, it seemed likely effort would be made to insert “the” before “territories.” Eban commented this would remove all flexibility from Israeli position.

5. Goldberg read to Eban note that he intended to give to Ruda on behalf of USG before noon requesting: (a) LAs not submit their res today, and (b) they give their support to UK res.3

Department may wish to pass to Cairo.

Goldberg
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Also sent to Tel Aviv. Received at 0629Z.
  2. Telegram 2346 from USUN, November 17, reported that Mohamed Riad had called Sisco that day to give the UAR reply to Goldberg’s proposal. (Ibid.) Goldberg reported the message to Rusk by telephone that morning. He commented that they were “left with the British resolution” and concluded, “We have now gone full circle.” (Notes of telephone conversation with Goldberg prepared by Mildred Asbjornson, November 17, 10:22 a.m.; ibid., Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Telephone Calls)
  3. The text was transmitted in telegram 2344 from USUN, November 17. It stated the U.S. judgment that the UK draft had a good chance of getting the acquiescence of both sides and therefore a very good chance of beginning the peace-making process in the Middle East but that submission of the Argentine-Brazilian draft, which was unacceptable to the Israelis, would irreparably undermine the UK effort. (Ibid., Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB–ISR/UN) Telegram 2360 from USUN, November 17, reported Goldberg’s meeting that day with Argentine representative Jose Mar’a Ruda. (Ibid.)