784A.56/3–2750: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel
147. Consideration Israeli requests military equipment US origin makes desirable obtaining more accurate info size and composition Israel military establishment. Discussion Israeli Emb Wash reveal Israeli Govt unwilling furnish specific info on official basis but will do so informal and personal level. Dept has requested Defense instruct US Service Attachés Tel Aviv submit estimates present Israeli strength. Israeli Emb Wash so informed and plans arrange Col. Efraim Ben-Arzi, until recently military attaché Wash., to consult on his own initiative Service Attachés Tel Aviv and furnish whatever info desired. Stress has been placed by Israeli Emb on need for informal and discreet transmittal such info by Israeli Govt sources.
Pending Israeli export requests for arms from commercial sources include:
10 AT–6 aircraft, 15 Sherman tanks, 15 75mm. tank guns, 250 cal. .50 machine guns, 18 Jet fighter aircraft, 9 37mm. guns and quantity military radar equip. Israeli Emb on Feb 13 submitted formally list of military equip1 “required by Israel for defensive purposes” which included most items listed above and in addition following items obviously obtainable only from US Govt stocks or procurement: 66 anti-aircraft guns, 68 anti-tank guns, 36 105mm. howitzers, 18 155mm. howitzers, 45 Sherman tanks with guns, 18 M24 tanks, 90 armored cars and 100 recoilless rifles as well as a number of less significant ground force items.
Dept cannot foretell effect of info which may be furnished by Israelis on action on export requests and has so advised Israeli Emb. Defense has already given adverse recommendation on number these Items on basis info now available.
If Col. Ben-Arzi approach materializes, Israelis may be assured info will be kept in strictest secrecy for US Govt only.