867N.01/7–349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel
430. Fol Dept’s comments ur 411 [511] July 3 for your use with Shiloah and other Israeli officials who may take similar line:
US as anxious as is Israel for peace, prosperity and stability NE, but can not agree that this can be achieved on Israeli premises regarding territory and refugees.
On basis investigations its reps abroad US Govt does not believe Arab states preparing resume conflict. Any public statement to contrary designed for internal consumption within Arab states can be matched by corresponding Israeli public statements.
US Govt has pointed out to Israeli Govt on numerous occasions steps latter might take to facilitate arrival peace NE and continued full US support of Israel.
US Govt can not agree that repatriation substantial number refugees wld “solve nothing.” In opinion US Govt such move wld be major step on road to peace.
[Page 1208]US Govt also rejects apparent implication Shiloah that solution refugees problem is responsibility of US. Clear that primary responsibility lies with Israel and Arab states, which shld discharge this responsibility through repatriation and resettlement, respectively.