784A.561/7–1750: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines
priority
209. Embtel 133, July 17.1 Dept fully considered aspects transfers M–4 tanks Israel. Regardless condition tanks Dept unwilling consent shipment out of Far Eastern area such material which undoubtedly has real war potential otherwise doubtful Israelis wld be interested. Dept’s info at present time does not indicate Israel is at disadvantage militarily with respect Egypt. Dept is permitting export from US quantities war material lesser mil potential to Israel and: Arab states.
US policy re arms shipments to NE, as stated by US rep in UN Security Council at time UN lifted embargo on arms to NE, limits such shipments to arms necessary for internal security and self-defense. [Page 968] Declaration three foreign ministers made no change this policy. Dept, in fact, hopes Declaration, in stating three-power concern for NE security, will increase confidence NE states in future security, and hence lessen need for large amounts of armament in area. In gen Dept believes trend in NE is away from war toward peace.
- Not printed; it reported that an Israeli representative had been negotiating vainly with the Philippine Government for the purchase of 122 Sherman M–4 tanks (784A.561/7–1750).↩