Office of the Historian

389. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Department of State1

Geneva,November 8, 1955—noon.

Dulte 55. For Acting Secretary from Secretary. Reported visit of Sharett to US will pose for US a most serious problem.2 It is obviously an effort on his part to go over the heads of our government and the position which I announced to him and to force administration into policy of supporting Israel to a degree and in a manner which will surely antagonize entire Arab world and allow Soviet Union to become dominant in that area. Consequences in terms of jeopardy to oil for Western Europe and in terms of Africa [Page 718] are immense. On other hand it is very difficult for US to make publicly a case for not matching in arms to Israel Soviet arms to Arab countries, and at same time being unwilling to give any firm security guaranty to Israel.

I feel this is situation which only President can deal with and we should consider promptly asking him make statement of US position, preferably in anticipation of Sharett’s arrival.

I believe our basic position should be that nothing has so far happened that leads us to revise our policy of being friends both of Israel and Arabs. We believe basic security of Israel can be assured through UN action which would be along lines of 1950 tripartite policy statement; that in view of above we do not believe we should commit ourselves to backing Israel in arms race with Egypt backed by Soviet Union, although we quite recognize right of Israel as well as Arab States to buy arms for defense.

Suggest you discuss this matter with President when you see him on Wednesday and if he approves this course of action, suggest Dept submit draft statement and if time permits send to me here for comments.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–855. Secret;Niact; No Distribution. Received at 6:32 a.m. Transmitted to Denver for Sherman Adams as Toden 18. (Ibid.)↩
  2. The Embassy in Tel Aviv reported on November 7 that Sharett was planning to leave for the United States on November 9. According to the Embassy, the “Principal purpose of trip is to address series of meetings in support of Israel bond and U[nited] J[ewish] A[ppeal] drives. First speech scheduled Chicago Nov. 12. Foreign Ministry indicated that Sharett would spend two or three weeks in United States.” (Telegram 477;ibid., 033.84A11/11–755)↩