784A.56/2–1850: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
963. In conversation with me yesterday at which Furlonge and Palmer were also present, Wright1 raised subject supply of arms to Israel and Arab States. He referred to Chiefs of Staff study this question which was referred to in Embtel 903, February 162 and informed us that study now completed and was being reviewed by Foreign Office. Chiefs of Staff, in their study question, kept four factors in mind: (1) Internal security requirements of states concerned; (2) Contributions such states could make in event of war; (3) Undesirability arms race developing in NE; and (4) Undesirability states spending more on armaments than their local economies could bear. As result foregoing, Chiefs of Staff have now arrived at assessment in terms of size of forces which they feel Arab States should reasonably [Page 751] have. This will enable UK to set ceiling on arms shipments. Information on this subject will be exchanged with US service attachés by UK service departments here, but Wright felt it might be useful for Foreign Office to make this Information available Embassy as well. I replied that I was sure Department would be glad to have this information at such time Foreign Office was in position to make it available.
Wright then went on to say that with regard Israel request for arms, Chiefs of Staff insistent that military items should be furnished Israel until there was a general Palestine settlement. Wright commented this was a political opinion which, it might be argued, Chiefs of Staff had no right to express. Nevertheless, they felt very strongly on subject. Major part of difficulty re Israeli request for arms is that UK has no exact idea what they possess at present time. This creates quite different situation from that of Arab States which have furnished UK with detailed information which has enabled UK to reach assessment their deficiency requirements. Moreover, all Arab States have at various times, given UK assurances that they would hot use any arms supplied against the Israelis.
Wright said UK is considering telling Israelis that in all cases where Arab States have asked for arms, they have furnished lists of those presently in their possession and suggesting to Israelis that if they desire purchase in UK, they should do likewise.
Meanwhile, UK, as indicated Embtel 903, February 16, has authorized sale certain non-service equipment to Israel. List of this equipment has been furnished Embassy by Furlonge and will be airmailed Department. UK hopeful this will partially satisfy Israelis and will enable UK point out that it has relaxed ban on shipments to Israel.
Wright informed us that in requesting arms from UK, Israeli Ministry, London has emphasized Israel’s ability pay for them in dollars.
Sent Department 963; repeated Baghdad 16, Cairo 28, Jidda 10, Tel Aviv 20, Beirut 1, Damascus 9, pouched Moscow and Paris. Department pass Amman 8.