158. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State1
1037. For Secretary from Harriman and Komer. First day’s talks with Eshkol went well.2 We and Barbour believe across the board understanding can be reached along lines Presidential instruction with only minor modification. Israelis accept reaffirmation of nuclear self-denial but IAEA only if UAR does likewise and that there can be no pre-emption on Jordan waters till every peaceful recourse exhausted. However, they strongly doubt utility of taking water issue to UN.
PriMin has asked that we agree to understanding in writing so that at proper time he can bring his Cabinet colleagues on board. He obviously must consult Cabinet on any matter of such gravity, but firmly promises there will be no leaks.
Recommend that to tie down this sensitive and complex matter we be authorized to initial memorandum of agreement along lines appropriate portions Sections III and IV of Presidential instruction.
Will submit proposed text tomorrow Friday but request authorization before next meeting with PriMin at 3 p.m. local time Friday to indicate to him that USG prepared in principle to initial a memorandum of agreement along above lines.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Israel, Harriman Israeli Mission (I). Secret; Flash; Exdis. Received at 3:35 p.m. and passed to the White House.↩
- Harriman, Komer, and Barbour met twice with Eshkol, Meir, and Bitan on February 25. First Secretary Stephen E. Palmer was present at both sessions; Russell was present at the first. Memoranda of these conversations and other conversations held during the Harriman/Komer visit are ibid., Israel, Vol. IV, and in the National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 7 US/HARRIMAN.↩