Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

684A.85/8–754: Telegram

No. 855
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State¹

secret

Cairo, August 7, 1954—4 p.m.

179. Reference: Deptel 205.² Embassy found opportunity sound out Gohar re current Egyptian position on local commanders agreements today.

Gohar said he has repeatedly told Israelis situation Gaza Strip unlike Jordan since only fifty kilometers long and they can come to Egyptian checkpost any time and he or other officer can meet them within 15 minutes. Gohar has also repeatedly urged police sub-committee be set up to handle minor questions.

Gohar said Israelis always refuse any arrangement involving police officers and UN observers and insist that “local commanders” should meet.

Re Israeli attitude, Gohar said it is on record in minutes of EIMAC that Israelis said “It is better to kill the infiltrator than to hand him over”.

Comment:Dayan emphasis on direct contact between “officers” believed here to indicate Israeli desire exclude UN observers and avoid practical arrangements at police level.

Caffery

1. Repeated to London, Amman, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.
2. Printed as telegram 38 to Amman, Document 853.