458. Telegram From the Embassy in Canada to the Department of State1
22. For the Secretary and Allen. Reference Embassy telegram 482.2 Canadian Cabinet decision of July 12 on F–86’s for Israel embodied in secret aide-mémoire dated July 13 which quoted below. Foreign Minister Pearson has orally informed Israeli Ambassador today of Canadian Government’s decision. Canadian Government considers consultation process this question continuing with US and other interested countries. Prime Minister will respond any further questions in Parliament by stating consultation continuing. Following is text aide-mémoire which given Embassy by Under Secretary Leger this afternoon:
“It has been decided that Canadian Government will not unilaterally release F–86’s to Israel.
“In certain circumstances, however, it will consider joining with US to provide some aircraft.
“Such a release would depend (A) upon joint or collective decision of countries more directly concerned that provision of such aircraft desirable in their own interests and in interests of security in Middle East, and (B) upon joint action to assist Israel’s defensive position.
“Such collective action could involve the release perhaps of 12 F–86’s by US and a like number by Canada (this could possibly be accompanied by release of some defense equipment by other Western countries such as UK, to give a further indication of collective action). Exact form of collective arrangements can be considered later if it appears that other governments concerned willing participate.
“If US administration is willing consider such action, meeting of representatives of countries directly involved might then be arranged, preferably in Washington, since Ambassadors there of France, Italy and UK3 have been accustomed in recent months meet from time to time with senior officials of State Department to discuss questions relating to Middle East. If it is so desired in Washington, Canadian Ambassador4 there could arrange meeting with Ambassadors of France, Italy and UK together with suitable representatives of State Department. It will be purpose of that meeting seek correct judgment on whether or not it desirable for [Page 838] Israel be provided with modern jet fighters in addition to those which have gone from France and, if so, to explore in preliminary way possibility of coming to collective decision on lines suggested above.
“Any specific proposal would naturally have to be referred to Canadian Government for consideration.”
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 784A.5622/7–1356. Secret; Priority. Received at 10:52 p.m.↩
- Document 416.↩
- Maurice Couve de Murville, Manlio Brosio, and Sir Roger Makins, respectively.↩
- A.D.P. Heeney.↩