Issue Over Eric Johnston's Return to Israel
(March 22, 1961)
This editorial note pertains
to issues concerning Israel's plan to divert
the Jordan waters, and the Johnston's desire
to revisit Israel.
On March 22, 1961, Secretary Rusk reported to his staff meeting, according
to the minutes of the meeting, "that Eric Johnston has suggested
that he return to Jordan to help ease the tension building up as a result
of the Israeli plans to divert the Jordan waters. Mr. Labouisse felt
that this (Johnston's return) would not be helpful. Mr. Labouisse will
talk with Mr. Jones further on this subject and then will speak to Johnston
about it." (Department of State, Secretary's Staff Meetings: Lot
66 D 147)
A memorandum from Evan M. Wilson of the Policy Planning Council to
McGhee on "Israeli Plans for Jordan Waters," dated March 30,
indicates: "As you may know, Johnston saw the Secretary a few days
ago and apparently suggested that he be sent out again to try to get
agreement on the Unified Plan. I gather the Secretary did not make any
definite reply, but NEA is reluctant to send Johnston because of presumed
Arab opposition (I am told Harry Labouisse shares this view)."
(Ibid., PPS Files: Lot 67 D 548, Chron File--E.M. Wilson) No record
of Secretary Rusk's meeting with Johnston has been found
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |