Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XVIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1964–1967

128. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic¹

Washington, January 28, 1965, 11:43 a.m.

4384. For the Ambassador. When you see Nasser you may draw on the following as appropriate:

1. You know that the President wants to maintain good relations with the UAR, if the US is given the opportunity to do so. He sees that we share major interests in the independence and strengthening of the Near East states. He will continue to work for constructive relations with all Near Eastern states and for impartiality in our policy and actions in this area. The President respects the dignity of other nations and insists that US policy reflect this as well as the dignity of our own nation.

2. The President recognizes that differences have arisen between us, particularly on the Congo. He hopes to resolve these through joint effort and mutual restraint. He believes a positive effort on the part of both governments is necessary to prevent our differences from overriding our interests. But under our form of government he must take popular and Congressional sentiment into full account. The extent to which developments in the Near East and Africa have stirred popular concern is clearly demonstrated in the recent effort in the House of Representatives to limit the President’s authority over foreign aid. The President is determined to oppose this limitation. Clearly the actions of the UAR and the statements of its leaders can be major factors in determining the outcome of the Administration’s efforts with the Congress.

3. The Congo is the most immediate issue now facing us. The President deplores the widespread misunderstanding of US motives there. He thinks that while the UAR and US may disagree on Congo, it would far better serve both our interests to help work out a political settlement than to let this problem escalate to a major confrontation in Africa. The President would welcome further discussions with the UARG on how to resolve this thorny problem which has become a major obstacle to our bilateral relations.

4. If Nasser raises the question of future aid, you may say that in your discussions in Washington you found hope that US/UAR relations would improve to permit the continuation of our cooperation. The President thinks that American actions of the last four years show the USG’s keen interest in helping the UAR grow and prosper. He is sincere in his hope that we can resolve the differences which have arisen over the Congo and other matters and turn our attention to better understanding of each other’s problems and further consolidation of our relationship.

Ball

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL UAR-US. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Davies on January 26; cleared by the President, Macomber, and Talbot; and approved by Rusk.