Memorandum on U.S Approach to Israeli Government Concerning Refugee
Problem
(April 10, 1962)
This memorandum evaluates
the manner in which Joseph
Johnson should
approach the Israeli government to
achieve a viable solution to the refugee
problem.
SUBJECT
Suggested Approach to Israelis in Support of Dr.
Joseph Johnson's "Second
Round" on the Arab Refugee Problem
Discussion:
Dr. Johnson plans to arrive in Tel Aviv on April 14. Rather than seeking
agreement on a specific "package", he intends to take soundings
on a variety of possible approaches to a limited initial movement of
refugees in a limited period, in the hope that such a pilot project
would break down long-standing psychological and political barriers.
Arab leaders appear to understand the full U.S. backing of the Johnson-PCC
initiative. They are being (uncharacteristically) cautious in avoiding
propaganda or other moves that would jeopardize the initiative and place
on them the onus of recalcitrance. Israel, on the other hand, assures
us of its cooperation (although deprecating Dr. Johnson's chances of
success) while quietly stimulating action designed to thwart the effort.
It has encouraged Congressional support of direct Arab-Israel peace
negotiations, which would cut across the lines of the Johnson mission
and show the U.S. in Arab eyes as the partisan supporter of an Israel
propaganda line. Israel representatives seek our acknowledgement that
this effort is "for-the-record" only, presumably to water
down the reluctant commitment to cooperate in a try at this sort of
approach which Ben-Gurion made to the President last May.
Both we and Dr. Johnson think the Israelis need to be reminded in general
but firm terms of Ben-Gurion's commitment to the President and of our
full support of the PCC initiative. To give the requisite emphasis to
our views, we suggest you call in Ambassador Harman (30 minutes would
be adequate). A parallel approach by Ambassador Barbour to Prime Minister
Ben-Gurion and Mrs. Meir is planned, as well as a talk with selected
American Jewish leaders to solicit support.
Recommendation:
1. That you see Ambassador Harman April 12 or 13./2/
/1/Source: Department of
State, Central Files, 325.84/4-1062. Confidential.
Drafted by Crawford and cleared by Ludlow
in draft and Sisco in draft.
/2/Secretary Rusk initialed his approval of the recommendation and
scheduled a meeting with Harman at 4:30 p.m. on April 13.
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |