Office of the Historian

159. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1

Washington, February 25, 1965, 7:50 p.m.

818. For Harriman and Komer. Ref: Your 1037.2 We will endeavor to get a decision to you promptly on initialling memorandum of understanding along lines of Sections III and IV of Presidential instructions. Meanwhile, in further talks with Israelis you should point out that we regard IAEA safeguards as question between us and Israel, not dependent on UAR accession.FYI. You will recall Nasser has told us he will consider IAEA safeguards when he obtains nuclear reactor of sufficient size as to make question significant. End FYI. If and when we should obtain evidence UAR attempting to develop nuclear capability, we would press Cairo hard to accept IAEA safeguards.

On question of pre-emption in Jordan waters dispute, you will recall strong objection here to asking Israel to hold its hand only “until every peaceful recourse exhausted.” Phrasing in Presidential instructions accurately reflects our firm view that U.S. cannot at any time accept Israeli pre-emptive action against Arab diversion works, but must instead have Israeli agreement to take this problem to the United Nations, where U.S. would be prepared to support principles of Johnston Plan.

We are delighted at your encouraging progress. Further instructions will be forwarded as soon as possible, though cannot promise decisions in time for meeting with Eshkol Friday.

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 7 US/HARRIMAN. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Drafted by Talbot and approved by Ball.↩
  2. Document 158.↩