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

286. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State¹

Tel Aviv, May 2, 1966, 1121Z.

1102. Depcirtel 2127.²

1. I have conveyed to Bitan (FonOff) points made Depcirtel. After reiterating substance our concern as set forth by Davies to Evron, I noted especially U.S. position in event GOJ goes to UNSC. Also emphasized concern at increasing tension Syrian frontier urging restraint and disadvantages to all should Israelis have recourse military action.

2. Bitan said would immediately pass views to higher authority as he has already done with report Davies-Evron conversation. He took occasion reiterate Israeli motivation underlying recourse to this raid on Jordan. Emphasizing Israeli reluctance take such measure, he said single most important consideration from GOI standpoint is fact GOI must be able impress its border settlers with GOI ability protect them in face of attacks involving Israeli lives. He added that GOI experience in past has been that period of quiet and stability on borders has ensued following demonstration Israeli determination this manner although he admitted impossible be sure past pattern could be anticipated with confidence. He made major point that GOI unable devise effective alternative, only other recourse aside from diplomatic intervention being to UNTSO, which invariably takes position evidence insufficient convince it of Jordanian origin Fatah incursion.

3. Bitan said GOI disturbed by increasing tension Syria but he does not have impression action likely that connection in absence unforeseen variation in Syrian tactics.

Barbour

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 32–1 ISR–JORDAN. Confidential. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, USUN, Jerusalem, and CINCSTRIKE/MEAFSA POLAD.
2. Circular telegram 2127 to Tel Aviv and other posts, April 30, stated that in a meeting that day between Davies and Evron concerning three Israeli raids into Jordanian territory the previous night, Davies urged against any action that would further escalate the situation. The telegram instructed the Embassy in Tel Aviv to reiterate U.S. concern and to add that if Jordan took the incident to the UN Security Council, the U.S. Government would be obliged to base its position strictly on the facts as eventually reported by UNTSO. (Ibid.)