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

684A.85/4–1554: Telegram

No. 796
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Jordan¹

top secret
priority

Washington, April 15, 1954—9:01 a.m.

407. During discussion Arab-Israel problem Apr 12 Secretary and Eden agreed on seriousness present situation. Secretary stated feared Israel calculated matters cannot improve until they become worse and inference could be drawn from Israel acts that she prepared to re-open war in order create situation from which peace settlement rather than armistice would follow. Arabs fearful of new attack. New factor was support now given Arabs by USSR. Secretary questioned whether US by following balanced policy in area could so increase influence with Arab states as to promote stability and harmonious relations.

Eden concurred with above analysis. Felt only current course was to “nibble at edges of problem seeking first frontier control.” Stated we should continue efforts get parties together under aegis UN. Failing this we should endeavor accomplish same objective outside UN.

British Embassy informed Department Apr 13 it hoped advance specific suggestions for discussions next week.

Views of addressees requested soonest on points below to assist in formulation Department position for discussion with British.

1. Best procedure for getting parties together for discussion either through UN or in event such efforts prove fruitless by other means.

2. Specific measures which might be taken by Western Powers, UNTSO and parties to improve border machinery and general border situation.

Smith

1. Sent also to Baghdad as telegram 574, Beirut as 1160, Cairo as 1274, Damascus as 417, Jidda as 290, Tel Aviv as 717, and Jerusalem as 90, all priority; repeated to London and Paris by pouch.