245. Telegram 333 From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State 1 2

[Page 1]

Subj:

  • Executions in Iraq
1.
Secretary’s statement made most Tel Aviv morning papers despite late hour of release Israeli time and was lead item on Kol Israel newscasts morning January 28. We are hopeful that this expression of USG concern for plight of Iraqi Jewry will have effect of dampening at least to some extent feelings of indignation voiced here over alleged world indifference to hangings. Charge of world quote hypocrisy unquote in turning deaf ear to persecutions of Jews in Arab countries is one of main themes in statements by PM Eshkol and other speakers in Knesset January 27 (Tel Aviv 322) and is heavily stressed in today’s editorials. Position taken publicly by French (and which according London 678 British also plan take) that matter is internal Iraqi affair naturally recalls to Israeli mind hesitation of powers to take open stand against persecutions of Jewry in Arab lands heretofore.
2.
Our hope is that GOI will concentrate at this stage on mobilizing world opinion and good offices of foreign [Page 2] governments to prevent further executions. This makes direct military action seem fairly unlikely at the moment. We of course cannot rule out possibility entirely, however, as past experience underscores unpredictability of Israeli military strikes. In present instance IDF would not have to look far afield to find an Iraqi target. Israeli authorities must realize however that in view of mass hysteria which apparently prevails at this moment in Baghdad any IDF action against Iraq could provoke not only additional executions but also possibly mass pogrom of those Jews left in Iraq.
3.
Whatever other considerations GOI may bring into line Israeli actions will without any doubt be influenced by extent world support for (or indifference to) efforts to prevent further executions. Believe it important both on political and humanitarian grounds for us to follow up Secretary’s statement with additional steps to head off more bloodshed. We recognize danger that public declarations may merely draw stiff Iraqi response (as in case of UNSYG’s statement) and possibly further harden Iraqi position. Perhaps Department could explore possibility of seeking behind scenes Indian and other neutral power intervention with Iraqi and other Arab govts, stressing deplorable effect of executions on world opinion and serious damage they do to Arab image.
4.
One possible approach which occurs to us is proposal for exchange of Fedayeen prisoners held by Israelis against [garble] Jewish spies. A similar proposal put forward by Italians proved to be key to solution of last summer’s crisis over hijacking of El Al plane. We realize current situation is different in many respects and such an exchange would pose many difficult problems for both Israelis and Iraqis. However if put forward with skill and determination by a party recognized as friendly by Iraqis and at least relatively neutral by Israelis it might have chance of success.
Barbour
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 29 IRAQ. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Amman, Jerusalem, London, Rome, and USUN.
  2. The Embassy expressed hope that Secretary Rogers’ statement of condemnation would mollify somewhat Israeli indignation over the Iraqi hangings.