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

784A.02/7–1353:Telegram

No. 638
The Secretary of State to Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, at Cape Vincent, New York¹

Washington, July 13, 1953—5:44 p.m.

I had tried to reach you Saturday at President’s request to see if we could concert any measures to halt abrupt transfer yesterday of Israel Foreign Office from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and thus obviate unfortunate repercussions in Middle East and elsewhere.

Unfortunately could not reach you and action has been taken. I have now stated that the U.S. did not plan to move its Embassy to Jerusalem, feeling that this would be inconsistent with outstanding U.N. Resolutions.

Regret we could not get talking connection over telephone. Best regards.

John Foster Dulles

1. Drafted by Dulles and Byroade.