Office of the Historian

358. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1

Washington, December 7, 1966, 3:47 p.m.

98110. Ref: Tel Aviv USDAO 1250 and 1293 Nov 66.2

1.
In conversation sixth with Israeli Minister Evron Dept officer raised difficulties recently encountered by DATT in obtaining permission visit Israeli military installations and disapproval attache reconnaissance efforts voiced by some IDF officers. Using line taken by Ambassador in second reftel with Foreign Minister, Dept officer said attaches under standing instructions travel around Israel, particularly during times of crisis, and also to become acquainted with Israeli military installations. Their mission no secret, and Ambassador had reminded Foreign Minister on Nov 28 that Prime Minister himself had said attache travel around country welcomed provided there no roadblocks. Unless we had independent access to all parts of country we would not be in position provide assurances to certain other countries about Israeli intentions. Moreover, limitations on attaches would tend to create suspicions in our own minds about Israeli intentions. We therefore hoped any misunderstandings on part of IDF could be dispelled and there would be no question of free movement by our attaches.
2.
Evron in somewhat defensive response ended up saying he was certain no restrictions would be placed on attaches. He also used Foreign Minister’s line that DATT had asked to “inspect” installations in order to check out Israeli assurances regarding Jordan. Dept officer rejoined he certain request was to visit not to inspect and there must have been misunderstanding. In course conversation Dept officer also reminded Evron of easy access Israeli attaches have to US officials and agencies.
Katzenbach
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, DEF 15–7 ISR–US. Secret. Drafted and approved by Symmes. Repeated to DIA, OSD,USUN, Amman, Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, Beirut, USCINCEUR/USDUCOM, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, CINCUSNAVEUR, CTG SIX ZERO PT TWO, CINCUSAFE, CINCUSAREUR, COMSIXTHFLT, and JCS.↩
  2. Neither found.↩