120.280/10–1153: Telegram
No. 684
The Acting Secretary
of State to the Embassy in the United
Kingdom1
priority
1928. Eric Johnston, Chairman Advisory Board for International Development has been appointed Personal Representative of President with rank Ambassador to undertake mission to London, Paris and Near East, looking to settlement of some of the outstanding issues in Palestine.
Administrative instructions and composition party subject separate cable.
Johnston’s instructions include two following tasks:
- 1.
- Secure agreement Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel to division and use waters Jordan River basin;
- 2.
- Secure agreement Jordan, Israel on plans for internationalization Jerusalem if subsequently decided by Department this should be discussed.
With regard to (1), Johnston is to attempt obtain acceptance to maximum extent feasible of TVA plan, bearing in mind importance of facilitating maximum refugee settlement in shortest possible time, and U.S. wish to assist economic development in region.
With regard to Jerusalem, no action proposed until indications received from Vatican that proposals for functional as opposed to territorial internationalization would receive widespread support in GA.
Johnston’s instructions enable him make clear in NE that future level of economic and military aid, including UNRWA contributions, may be partially contingent upon attitudes adopted toward his mission. He is also authorized to bargain in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel with funds presently legislated for aid programs. He is accorded freedom use tactics he judges efficacious.
Hammarskjold is considering tactics use in making TVA study public and we believe he proposes discuss U.K., U.S., French Delegations near future, to determine extent proposals will be supported.
For London: UK Mission to UN aware of our intentions. They advise UK ready support on technical level, but that implications [Page 1346] of proposals, particularly territorial adjustments involving relinquishment by Israel of exclusive control outlet Tiberias, so far-reaching Cabinet decision may be required. Johnston plans visit London October 16 and 17 to discuss subject with Ambassador and British. UK Embassy has sent engineering data FonOff. Separate cable enroute.
For Paris:Johnston due TWA October 15 and arrangements made provide him military plane for his sole use thereafter. Wishes arrange call Bidault with Ambassador to secure French support. French Embassy here not yet fully advised though aware general nature and implications TVA proposals. Are advising French Del UN Oct 11th through Ingrand.
For Cairo:Johnston considering following visits London, Paris, calling on Naguib to endeavor persuade GOE at least remain neutral on proposals he will advance to countries concerned. Following one day Cairo he would visit Amman. Johnston suggests his visit would not have adverse effect during crucial phase Anglo-Egyptian negotiations, but rather would be helpful reassurance US interest cooperation with Egypt. Your views requested urgently whether wise Johnston visit Cairo or whether in view possible misunderstandings purpose visit best omit Cairo at present. Johnston’s arrival time NE contingent Cairo reply.
For Beirut, Damascus, Amman: Wish Bergus be available for Johnston on his arrival Beirut or Amman. Suggest Lynch and Moose confer prior arrival Johnston as Moose fully aware nature mission and can answer many questions of concern Amman.
For Tel Aviv:Johnston aware necessity advise Israelis of proposals at early date and will arrange accordingly though clear he must first visit Arab side.
For All Missions: This very difficult mission has full backing President. US must use all its influence bring about quick and economic development of the Jordan River for irrigation.
- Sent also to Paris priority as 1367, to Rome as 1254, to Tel Aviv as 283, to Beirut as 430, to Damascus as 127, to Cairo priority as 408, to New York as 156, and to Amman as 159; sent by pouch to Jidda and Baghdad.↩