501.BB Palestine/10–2948: Telegram
The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Acting Secretary of State
most immediate us urgent
niact
217. Press and radio announce Great Britain resolution to SC for application sanctions unless Israeli forces retire to former Negev positions. This resolution if approved will create a tragic dilemma for [Page 1526] Israel and US comparable that envisaged mytel 70, August 24.1 PGI could not in my opinion yield but instead would resist sanctions. Plain fact as regards Egypt forces in Negev is (1) Egypt refused respect UN decision to open supply route to settlements and (2) the Egyptian Army has no right in opinion PGI to be in the Negev in the first place. Last night Egyptian forces evacuated Isdud, moved south to Majdal and civilians in area surrendered to Israeli which indicates Egypt realizes adjustment is inevitable. Also more important last night Ben-Gurion in State Council took conciliatory attitude which local press interprets as offer negotiate separate peace with Egypt. In other words, insofar as we can see from this point, Israeli victory has clarified situation in Negev and raised some hope of settlement. To undo all this by demand Israeli return positions under threat SC sanctions will create complete disillusionment here about UN and also US.
Moreover in considering possible decision to support sanctions, US should take account of almost certain necessity—threats will not be enough—of employing economic or more direct punitive measures before Israel, through economic or military exhaustion can be expected to surrender. The struggle that would precede such surrender might have for Israel the tragic solace of being regarded as a modern Massada while for the sanction enforcing powers, it could at best be an unpleasant and unprofitable business. Meanwhile Russia would rejoice at our discomforture and pose as Israel’s sole friend.
Sent Department 217, Department pass niact Paris Gadel 11.