Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

684A.86/3–752: Telegram

No. 413
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State¹

secret

Tel Aviv, March 7, 1952—3 p.m.

922. Re Depcirtel 758, Mar. 4. Emb believes still too early judge real significance and effect “peace feelers” and whether they may lead to improvement Arab-Israel relations. Official and public comment here has been cautious with strong undertone suspicion of Arab motives. Suspect attempt achieve acceptance Arab League Collective Security Org as chosen instrument ME defense (Embtel 881, Feb 27,² 891 and 897, Feb 29, 905, Mar 3³).

Emb concurs in views probable significance of developments in question not great. Considers them noteworthy only because even slight change in generally negative attitude is hopeful.

Davis

1. Repeated to London, Paris, Ankara, Amman, Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem, Beirut, and Karachi.
2. In telegram 891, Feb. 29, the Embassy referred to apprehension on the part of the Israeli press that the inclusion of the Arab states in a regional military structure would be to the ultimate disadvantage of Israel. (684A.86/2–2952)
3. In telegram 905, Mar. 3, the Embassy reported in part that although there was a genuine interest in “peace feelers” from Arab sources, official and public reaction in Israel was one of caution or suspicion. (684A.86/3–352)