Memorandum on Israeli Position on Arab
Refugees, Jordan Diversion
(December 9, 1963)
This is a memorandum from the Department
of State to the Embassy in Israel regarding
the Israeli position of Arab refugees
and Jordan Waters.
Re Jordan waters Jernegan recalled his October 10 talk with Harman
here and October 30 meeting with Yahil in Jerusalem. Jernegan said that
at latter we received with gratification GOI reassurance full info re
salinity, stream-flow, testing and withdrawal will be provided. But
that meeting also showed continuing difference opinion re (1) amount
Tiberias water GOI obliged release to Jordan, (2) Yarmuk allocation
to Israel for Adasiya triangle, and (3) suggested Israel use of public
relations theme signifying willingness accept international observation
if Arabs do likewise.
Re (1) and (2) Jernegan said we can only support what was in Unified
Plan (i.e, 100 mcms allocation of Tiberias waters to Jordan of which
minimum of 85 mcms must be of average Tiberias salinity; 25 Yarmuk allocation
to triangle). There is only one Plan and Arabs know what it is. USG
is in position of "moral guarantor" of Israel's intentions.
If we cannot truly say its actions are consistent with Plan, Arabs could
exploit this difference in effort vitiate our support for Israel's forthcoming
withdrawal program. Israel says there are in effect two Unified Plans,
the other being that in Johnston's draft Memorandum July 5, 1955. Our
records show however that on several occasions Johnston made it clear
he regarded that draft as reflecting Israel's position and said it was
not acceptable to him.
Re (3), we continue see need for quiet GOI statement of willingness
accept observation on reciprocal basis. We need this to point to in
talks with Arabs, who do not fully trust us as guarantor because we
are so close to Israel. We are not discussing a mechanism. Mechanism
provided for in Plan itself if it should ever come to that. We doubt
it will. We think Arabs would be first to shy away from such mechanism.
Jernegan said we remain willing have Wiener and Criddle meet in Washington
but not sure re purpose such talks or their timing.
Harman said he surprised by this approach, since he had understood
full agreement reached with Jernegan in Jerusalem (Jernegan demurred),
but would report and seek instructions.
Re refugees, Jernegan expressed concern at GOI statements in Knesset
and at Knesset action disavowing paragraph 11. This poses serious problems
for continuation our talk and for our efforts seek solution. Harman
noted this but reacted along much same line as Meir with you (Embtel
649).
Rusk
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
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