684A.85/10–950: Telegram
The Chargé in Israel (Ford) to the Secretary of State
211. In course 80-minute informal general discussion Prime Minister his Tel Aviv home October 7 our treatment of directive contained Deptel 149, September 30 was briefly as follows:
Yarmuk River: Stressing my government’s strong belief Israel should relinquish this recently occupied area at least until MAC had adjudicated issue and urging Prime Minister give matter his own personal attention rather than let it drift into sea of bureaucracy, I pointed out any legal justification Israel felt on its side was far outweighed by moral issues at stake, and that world would applaud Israeli gesture at this point in relinquishing this relatively unimportant acquisition in interest general peace and stability this area. Prime Minister replied in effect that Yarmuk issue had ceased to be of great concern to him and his government and that while Israel was acting fully within its rights in occupying area he was in fact ready make immediate settlement question with Jordan either by evacuating zone, declaring it kind of no-man’s land, or on basis any other formula which might be found mutually agreeable. He then referred Abdullah–Eytan talk of October 1 (Embtel 191, October 2) and expressed hope this might be beginning new and happier phase relations between two countries, and said one of first steps would be settlement Yarmuk and other border differences to satisfaction all concerned.
Negev Bedouin expulsions: Pointing out to Prime Minister that while one of his earlier predecessors had successfully commanded sun to stand still there existed some doubt Israel’s ability so far to disrupt nature’s laws as to expect nomadic tribes abruptly to stop customs of centuries, I urged that military registration be extended to cover all nomads Negev area and other humane procedures adopted to accommodate Egyptian-Israel border regulations to periodic comings and goings tribal peoples living that general neighborhood. Prime Minister, profound student Old Testament miracles, seemed enjoy being bracketed with Joshua, and replied steps had already been taken and more would be taken immediately to relieve situation tribes accustomed [Page 1028] seek greener pastures in Negev. He added grimly however that due and direct punishment would be meted out in instances where it was established that tribes were acting as cloak, whether innocently or otherwise, for Egyptian mine-layers or any other persons not prepared behave themselves and respect Israel law and order.
Comment: My wife and I were Prime Minister and Mrs. Ben Gurion’s only guests and thus talk was both easy and uninterrupted. Ben Gurion was relaxed and friendly but his chief interest seemed centered on present fight on Israel black market which he is conducting personally. Thus it was difficult to tell whether my comments on Yarmuk registered deeply or not, although mention of Negev led inevitably his favorite theme that Egypt remains keystone in arch of Middle East peace. He reiterated hope that my government’s full attention would continue concentrated this direction (Embtel 194, October 41) and expressed his conviction that calibre our diplomatic representatives Cairo proved our awareness Egypt’s preeminent position in Middle East affairs. (End comment)
British Minister Helm following long talk with Eytan October 8 informed me he was extremely hopeful Israel would get out Yarmuk area in immediate future.
Comment: I likewise am hopeful this respect although still harboring conviction Israel will not completely or readily relinquish bargaining possibilities inherent this small but lush bit of land East of Jordan. (End comment)2
[Page 1029]Sent Department 211, repeated info Jerusalem 14, Department pass Cairo 16, Amman 15, London 21.
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Not printed; it reported the interview on October 1 of Senator Claude Pepper of Florida with Prime Minister Ben-Gurion, at which Chargé Ford was present at the Senator’s request. The Prime Minister expressed his belief that a peaceful settlement with Egypt was the only possible solution to the Arab-Israeli problem and his hope that “all US efforts might be directed this end. ‘Make peace with Egypt and all others will follow as night does day.’”
The Prime Minister was also said to have twitted the Chargé, “as usual”, because of his failure to call on the Prime Minister at Jerusalem and assured him that the “latchstring always out and no questions asked.” The Chargé indicated that he settled for a cup of tea at the Prime Minister’s Tel Aviv home the following Saturday (884A.00TA/10–450).
Consulate General Jerusalem advised, on October 11, that the Israelis regarded Jerusalem as their capital city and that the Government, except for the Foreign Office and the Ministry of National Defense, functioned there (despatch 127, 784.00/10–1150).
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The Department of State in reply on October 12 requested Embassy Tel Aviv to express to the Prime Minister the Department’s appreciation of his attitude concerning the Yarmuk area and the Bedouins and to “Reiterate belief that conciliatory gestures in matters of this nature should help prepare way for settlement not only with Jordan and Egypt but also with other Arab states.” (Telegram 171, 684A.85/10–1250)
Chargé Ford advised, on October 17, that “on personal visit to disputed zone on October 14 I saw neither man or beast anywhere within area, only evidence any recent activity being small plowed tract of not more than five acres. Military Attaché also on visit inspection October 9 found similar state of abandon. Israelis have of course made no admission of withdrawal and are not likely to do so unless and until they feel some advantage may thereby be reaped.” (Telegram 220 from Tel Aviv, 684A.85/10–1750)
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