Joseph Johnson's Visit to the Near East
(August 9, 1961)
On August 9, 1961, Acting Assistant Secretary of State
for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Meyer sent the following telegram
to Secretary Rusk, who was then in Paris attending a NATO Foreign Ministers
conference:
"Dept continues to believe PCC-sponsored fact-finding
mission to Near East capitals very desirable primarily to improve our
posture when Arab refugee problem comes before UNGA this fall. In view
shortage time we see no hope for securing services of a neutral Special
Representative. Among Americans we consider Joseph Esrey Johnson of
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace particularly well qualified.
Before approaching him we would appreciate your concurrence and your
permission to indicate to him your personal interest in his accepting
this assignment. We have in mind a low-key two or three week visit by
Special Representative to Near Eastern capitals and a report upon which
constructive PCC proposals can be made to forthcoming UNGA." (Tosec
35; Department of State, Central Files, 325.84/8-961)
Rusk approved in principle having a personal message
sent to Joseph Johnson. (Memorandum from Swank to Meyer, August 11;
ibid., NEA/NE Files: Lot 70 D 229, Refugees, PCC) On August 12, upon
Rusk's return to Washington, Meyer sent a memorandum to the Secretary
requesting that he telephone his personal friend Joseph Johnson to discuss
the assignment. (Ibid.) On August 17, Rusk met with Johnson to express
his personal appreciation for Johnson's accepting the assignment. (Memorandum
of conversation; ibid., Central Files, 325.84/8-1761)
Also on August 17, in circular telegram 277, the Department
of State informed Near Eastern and selected European posts that Johnson
had agreed to accept the assignment as PCC Special Representative and
that PCC concurrence was being sought. The Department contemplated that
Johnson would "take low key soundings at Foreign Minister level"
tentatively beginning in Cairo about August 24, with subsequent visits
to Beirut, Amman, and Tel Aviv. (Ibid.) The United Nations announced
Johnson's appointment as the Special Representative of the U.N. Conciliation
Commission for Palestine on August 24. (Airgram to Amman and other posts,
August 31; ibid., 325.84/8-3161)
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |