61. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts1
2199. Following based on uncleared memcon.
Representatives of UAR, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Sudan called on Secretary May 25 to express concern about possible effect of Eshkol visit on Arab-US relations.UAR Ambassador Kamel spokesman: reviewed Arab-US relations noting Arab-Israel problem only major obstacle to good relations. In recent years removal of Arab-Israel question from political arena and public discussions had resulted in Arab-US rapprochement. Arab states now concerned that Eshkol visit represented Zionist effort rekindle quiescent Arab-Israel problem, provoke Arabs and press aggressive expansionist aims. Israelis expected present large list requests including arms, financial assistance, and even security guarantee. Israelis had no need for arms since Arabs not contemplating aggression, did not require money and had guaranty in form UN Charter. Zionists desired rift in Arab-US relations. While not appropriate for Arabs question who should be guests of USG, Ambassadorial deputation urged exercise wisdom and farsightedness to protect US-Arab relations which prerequisite to peace in Near East. Representatives hoped US territory would not be used as stage for anti-Arab propaganda. Joint US-Arab interests at core of Arab concern.
Secretary replied stressing reciprocal US interest in good US relations with Arab world, noting 1) historical tradition of cultural and economic ties, 2) absence of US territory ambitions and 3) interest in emergence of Arab states as strong independent entities in modern world. Differences however had existed and events of 1948 and creation of Israel were among most sensitive. We hoped find ways insulate such differences, otherwise impossible work steadily for peace all hoped to build. We concerned about peace in Near East and did not believe area should become battle field of great powers. We desired assist in development friendly relations throughout area. We were concerned by prospect sharply increased arms race in Near East. We had worked [Page 144] with patient determination at Geneva to seek ways to relieve countries of overwhelming burden of armaments. So far not possible make much progress. Our concern in disarmament field applied as much to Near East as to rest of world.
Secretary continued representatives quite properly had not commented on propriety Eshkol visit. US has relations with Israel of which visits normal part. We would take all possible steps to contribute to peace in area and do nothing or say nothing to inflame situation in area or harm our relations with Arab world. We not responsible, however, for press speculation on details visit which might not be reported accurately. We would consider carefully anything we did and hoped visit would not result in any dismay in Arab world or create any untoward problems.
Secretary undertook pass representatives’ views to President.
Ambassador Kamel expressed appreciation on behalf Ambassadors, Charges and countries represented. Informal reaction to Secretary’s comments indicated representatives much pleased and considered call successful.
Agreed representatives would inform press purpose visit and express nature their concerns. Department would express US views along lines Secretary’s comments.
Action Addressees should convey foregoing to appropriate host government officials and express hope local news media will treat meeting in same restrained manner characterized by attitude Arab representatives.2
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 7 ISR. Confidential. Drafted by Russell, cleared by Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Henry J. Tasca, and approved by Jernegan. Sent to Cairo, Damascus, Beirut, Baghdad, Jidda, Amman, and Kuwait and repeated to Baida, Tunis, Algiers, Rabat, Khartoum, Taiz, and Tel Aviv.↩
- On June 1, the Arab Information Office in Washington issued a document entitled “Statement by the Arab Press Attaches and Information Officers in Washington, D.C.” which criticized the Eshkol visit. On June 2, Acting Secretary Ball called in the 13 Arab chiefs of mission to ask them to inform their governments that the U.S. Government found the statement objectionable. The meeting is summarized in circular telegram 2255, June 3. (Ibid.)↩