784A.02/9–2050: Telegram
The Chargé in Israel (Ford) to the Secretary of State
160. Re last paragraph Department’s 94 September 1, Embassy has given careful consideration possibilities modifying existing Department instructions to Embassy regarding intercourse with Israel Government. On one hand has reached conclusion that present practice of no official contact Jerusalem and keeping personal visits of CM to barest minimum is still only practical policy, at least until UN shall have clarified internationalization issue.
Embassy has consulted British, French, Belgian and Turkish missions Tel Aviv all of which presently follow same policy as Embassy despite fact that British have possible out in recent de facto recognition Israel occupation western Jerusalem. However, Embassy would request Department to make every possible effort to see that all US Government officials visiting Israel be instructed follow same rigid non-intercourse policy. Unless this is done, there is no way of avoiding inevitable embarrassment when Israelis point out to Embassy that other US officials are following policy apparently more liberal than that of Embassy.
Kollek of Foreign Office volunteered to me September 19 that Ben Gurion would welcome visit in Jerusalem “to talk things over” but I regretted that until Prime Minister had occasion visit Tel Aviv or other rendezvous in Israel or until I was so ordered by my government I would have to forego this signal honor.