501.BB Palestine/1–349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald), at Tel Aviv
us urgent
niact
8. Please call on FonMin and express your Govt’s gratification on learning from FonMin’s note Jan. 3 transmitted your Niact 7, Jan. 3, that no Israeli troops now remain on Egyptian territory.
2. Please add that this Govt is relieved that danger of much more serious conflict in Middle East has been averted. FonMin must realize representations of this Govt by you Dec. 31, pursuant to Deptel 281, Dec. 30,1 were motivated by sincere friendship of US Govt for Israel and its desire to see PGI avoid course of action which might have led to grave consequences.
3. Dept has been informed by Acting Mediator that his Representative in Cairo Jan. 4 informed him that Egyptian Govt had confidentially notified UN Representative it was willing to enter into talks with Israel under UN auspices on all outstanding questions, provided PGI will obey SC cease-fire order by 1400 GMT Jan. 5. Although this info reached Dept after this deadline had expired, this Govt in friendly [Page 617] spirit desires to acquaint PGI of foregoing info with trust that it may still be possible for PGI and Egypt to enter into negotiations following a prompt and effective cease-fire.
4. Inform FonMin that similar representations are being made to Egyptian Govt, and we are informing that Govt of our belief that a reasonable opportunity should be given PGI in which to accept a serious and bona fide offer.
Repeated to London as 45 and Cairo as 15 for info only.