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

674.84A/9–1552: Telegram

No. 486
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

secret
priority

Washington, September 13, 1952—3:38 p.m.

568. Egypt Chargé Wash called Sept 12 to report direct approach (method and place not revealed) by Israel requesting in view “new relationship Israel-Egypt” (which Chargé indicated referred to Israeli peace overtures) Egypt use its influence at Arab League mtg prevent inclusion GA agenda ques internatlzn Jlem. Commenting that Egypt cannot now burn bridges with Arab states and that conclusion peace with Israel must take time, El Kouny requested US attitude Jlem ques as most impt to Egypt consideration agenda prob. Chargé informed that US gen posit Jlem set forth July 22, 1952 press statement (nr 576)² and that US will not oppose inclusion item GA agenda.

Meanwhile Israel Amb Eban has sought Depts assistance dissuade Arabs from including on GA agenda complaints against Israel by stating he instructed present four counter-complaints if Arabs do so: (1) econ aggression vs Israel by mbrs Arab League; (2) violation by Jordan Art 8 Israel–Jordan armis agrmt; (3) violation by Arab states Art 2 pgh 4 UN Charter by threat or use force vs territ integrity Israel; (4) violation by Egypt Art 25 Charter in not carrying out decision SC Sep 1, 1951, on Suez Canal blockade. Not known but believed likely Arab states know of these prospective Israel counter-complaints. Dept does know Israel mainly interested non-introduction agenda of Jlem ques. Dept has informed Eban it considers introduction Israeli counter-complaints wld be unfortunate but cannot approach Arab states dissuade them from introducing whatever items they agree upon.

Acheson

1. Repeated to Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Jidda, and London.
2. Not printed, but see footnote 2, Document 456.