270. Telegram From Secretary of State Rusk to the Department of State1
New York, October 2, 1968,
2333Z.
6805. Secto 17. Subject: Middle East: Phantoms.
- 1.
- At conclusion of lengthy discussion on Middle East with Sisco and Buffum Oct 2,2 Amb Jarring raised what was obvious purpose in his asking for such quick follow-up discussion to his mtg with Secretary Oct 1.3
- 2.
- Jarring said he feared he had gained impression from one comment made by Secretary that announcement to sell Phantom aircraft to Israel might be made soon. He also recalled Secretary had asked what we cld do to help him. Jarring said he was most disturbed about effect such an announcement would have on his mission. While it wld obviously not be proper for him to take position on substance of matter, he indicated strong hope US wld find it at least possible to delay any such announcement during immediate future, which he considers is critical period in determining fate of his mission.4
Rusk
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Conference Files: Lot 69 D 182, CF 319. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted at USUN by Buffum.↩
- See Document 271.↩
- Rusk’s October 1 meeting with Jarring was reported in telegram 6767 from USUN, October 1. The meeting was devoted to a review of the current status of Jarring’s efforts. Jarring indicated that no new decisive elements had emerged from his initial round of discussions with Foreign Ministers. Rusk encouraged Jarring to intensify his efforts and not to give up on his mission. (Ibid.)↩
- Rostow sent a copy of this telegram to President Johnson on October 3 with a covering note stating that he wanted to make the President aware of Jarring’s position on the Phantom aircraft. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt W. Rostow, Vol. 97, Oct. 1-4 1968)↩