Office of the Historian

266. Memorandum From the Department of State Executive Secretary (Brubeck) to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)0

Washington, June 11, 1963.

SUBJECT

  • Comment on President Nasser’s Letter to the President of June 7, 1963 (Embassy Cairo Telegram 2242)1

We interpret Nasser’s letter as intending to convey the following:

1.
Appreciation of President’s mediation in Yemen; implied intent to cooperate in international control but with the caution that continued Saudi activity in opposition to the Yemen Republic would not be tolerated.
2.
Appreciation for the President’s reassurance regarding economic assistance; displeasure with Congressional criticism but understanding of the domestic situation producing it.
3.
Laying of blame for Saudi and Jordanian internal difficulties at the door of active anti-revolutionary policies they pursuing in Yemen and elsewhere; implication they could be tolerated if they remain passive.
4.
A willingness to consider new U.S. initiatives to ease the Arab-Israel conflict but implicit warning (e.g., allusion to Hawk transaction) that proposals framed primarily in terms of Israel’s interest as a prelude to the U.S. elections would be unacceptable. UAR armaments program justified as necessary to redress arms balance.

The UAR has indicated to Ambassador Badeau that it is especially anxious to have a reaction to the letter as well as to know the timing and identity of the special emissary. It is recommended that a brief reply be sent stating that we welcome the letter and its frank expression of views as an indication that the UAR has an open-minded approach to the discussion of current issues. We would propose closing with the name of the President’s emissary and the date on which we hope President Nasser may be able to receive him. If this recommendation is accepted, we will prepare a proposed reply when the name and date have been determined.

E.S. Little2
  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, United Arab Republic, Nasser Correspondence. Top Secret; Eyes Only; Cane. No drafting information appears on the source text.↩
  2. Not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–1 UAR) For President Kennedy’s letter of May 27, see Document 257.↩
  3. Little signed for Brubeck above Brubeck’s typed signature.↩