Damage Control With The Arabs Concerning Ben-Gurion's
Visit
(May 10, 1961)
This telegram discusses an upcoming meeting between
President Kennedy and Prime
Minister Ben-Gurion,
and its implications for America's relationship with the Arab
world. The telegram also stresses the necessity of addressing the Arab refuggee problem
as soon as possible.
1953. In response to request for meeting at earliest feasible date, President
has agreed see Israel Prime Minister Ben-Gurion in New York on May 30.
President will be there for speech prior to departure following day for
Paris. Ben-Gurion will arrive on May 28. He not scheduled to visit Washington.
Israelis have agreed no publicity prior to May 20. In announcing visit
on May 20 Israelis will state that purpose of visit to meet with Jewish
leaders in New York. At later date it may be disclosed that at his request
Ben-Gurion will have talk with President while both are in New York.
President and Department fully aware repercussions which Ben-Gurion
visit apt produce in Arab world, particularly at time when recent UNGA
developments have already tended to cause Arabs to view new US administration
as partial to Israel. However, President did not believe he should refuse
request even as he would not wish refuse request should an Arab leader
desire visit US unofficially. Moreover, President hopes capitalize on
opportunity to emphasize USG views re need to move forward with respect
to Arab refugees and also re Israel's nuclear reactor.
Before question of Ben-Gurion visit arose, Department had been considering
letters from President to individual Arab leaders setting forth in broad
terms desire of new US administration to deal with Near East problems
in as fair and friendly manner as possible. It was hoped that letters
would reassure Arab leaders of USG impartiality in Arab-Israel issue
and USG's desire to maintain friendly and mutually beneficial relations
with all Near Eastern states.
Also Department has independently reached conclusion that serious effort
must be made between now and next UNGA with respect to Arab refugees.
Present plans call for reconnaissance mission to Near Eastern capitals
by distinguished non-American official as Special Representative of
PCC. He would hear views of leaders and then recommend to PCC measures
to resolve refugee impasse using UN resolutions as basis. While realizing
intractability this problem, Department convinced that determined effort
must be undertaken.
Department keenly interested in any measures which will minimize adverse
reactions to Ben-Gurion visit in Arab world. It is hoped Presidential
letters, cast in warm friendly tones, will be helpful. Department assumes
such letters should be delivered well before news of Ben-Gurion visit
becomes public. Department also assumes it preferable get PCC activity
re refugees under way before Ben-Gurion talks with President, otherwise
Arabs apt to allege PCC move "hatched" by Ben-Gurion and President
in their talks.
Department wishes your comment on means for minimizing Arab reactions
to Ben-Gurion visit and specifically whether it would be worthwhile
to give key Arab leader in your country advance indication that Ben-Gurion
visit will take place. This could be done by reference in President's
letter along lines last two sentences of paragraph 2 above. It might
alternatively be done orally on or about May 18.
Since President's letter will include support for PCC steps vis-à-vis
refugee problem, it possible that if Ben-Gurion included among recipients
of President's letter and if it is known to Arabs that he also a recipient,
his visit might be interpreted by Arabs as prompted by unhappiness over
PCC move. This would be one possibility for cushioning Arab reactions.
Comment on this alternative also requested.
Reply Niact.
Bowles
Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.86B/5-1061. Top Secret;
Niact. Drafted by Meyer, cleared by Manfull (S/S) and by Dungan at the
White House, and approved and signed by Acting Secretary Bowles. Also
sent to Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, and Jidda and repeated to Tel Aviv and
Taiz. Attached to the source text is an earlier draft that shows handwritten
changes made "in accordance WH wishes."
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |