Office of the Historian

234. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Rountree) to the Acting Secretary of State1

Washington, May 8, 1957.

SUBJECT

  • Richards Mission—Israel, May 32

Discussion

The Mission spent but one day in Israel motoring from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on the morning of May 3 and departing that evening for Tripoli. Ambassador Richards met with Prime Minister Ben Gurion and subsequently with Golda Meir, Foreign Minister, and Mr. David Eshkol, Minister of Finance. The Ambassador reports that the meetings were marked by cordiality and understanding. In view of the very short notice of the Mission’s visit and the proximity of the Israel Independence Day celebrations, it was impossible to have Cabinet [Page 530] consideration prior to the departure of the Mission. It is therefore expected that the Israel Cabinet will meet this week to consider a public statement of Israel’s position with reference to the Doctrine.

Government officials appeared interested largely in whether the Doctrine could be interpreted to cover an attack by an Arab state “influenced” by international communism. The Mission pointed out the wording of the Joint Resolution and the fact that the President would make a determination in any actual situation. The Government was also worried about the effect of a strong public endorsement of the Doctrine on the position of Jews behind the Iron Curtain.

Commitment

No commitment for aid was made by the Mission.

Communiqué

In view of the difficulties of Cabinet consideration, no joint communiqué was issued.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/5–1057. Secret. Drafted by Wade Lathram.↩
  2. Regarding the Richards Mission visit to Israel, see vol. XVII, pp. 597–601.↩