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

351. Telegram From the Department of State to the U.S. Interests Section of the Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Republic¹

Washington, December 17, 1968, 2204Z.

288486. Ref: Cairo’s 4135.²

1. FYI. President-elect’s decision receive Amir of Kuwait and General Dayan was temporary suspension of rules. All previous requests for meetings were turned down, including Iranian request that Mr. Nixon receive Prime Minister Hoveyda. Exception was made in case of Amir and Dayan for various reasons, but we are informed that rule has now been re-imposed and there will be no further exceptions. If Egyptians wish to follow up Governor Scranton’s recommendation that Nasser go ahead with his plans to send letter to Mr. Nixon, and if they wish to send it with an emissary, we believe Mr. Nixon would be glad to delegate appropriate representative to receive him. Simplest solution, of course, would be to have letter delivered by Ghorbal. End FYI.

2. You authorized tell Khouly that while exception was made for Amir of Kuwait and Dayan, firm policy of President-elect is not to receive any foreign representatives prior to his inauguration. If, as we understand from various sources, President Nasser wishes send special emissary carrying personal message to Mr. Nixon, latter would be prepared designate appropriate personal representative to receive him.

3. You may tell Heikal we regret he has erroneous impression we seeking humiliate him. No personal slight intended.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL UAR-US. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Parker, cleared by Ambassador Leonhart in S/NL, and approved by Davies.
2. In telegram 4135 from Cairo, December 14, Bergus noted that President-elect Nixon indicated that he was prepared to receive the Amir of Kuwait and Israeli Defense Minister Dayan prior to the inauguration. This was contrary to the earlier position taken by Nixon that he would receive no foreign dignitaries before the inauguration. Bergus suggested that Nixon should express a willingness to receive an emissary of the UAR as well. (Ibid.)