U.S. Willing To Sell Hawk Missile System to Israel
(September 14, 1962)
This is a circular telegram from the Department
of State to certain post stating U.S. willingness to sell Hawk missile
system to Israel.
Israel has been informed US willing sell ground-to-air
missiles and UK mentioned also as possible source of supply. However
UK has not yet informed GOI of willingness to compete for sale. Details
to be worked out later. Possibility of early leak can not be discounted.
Accordingly following constitutes stand-by guidance for use quietly
with responsible officials of government to which accredited and other
leaders only after becomes public knowledge.
We have been consistently reluctant become major supplier
of sophisticated weapons in NE. Despite long-standing Israel requests
US previously resisted this step. However in view build-up of offensive
air and missile capability in area we obliged to respond sympathetically
Israel's request for short-range purely defensive ground-to-air interceptor
missiles. USSR has already agreed supply such missiles to Iraq and possibly
UAR. This is specific action designed to meet specific situation and
by no means constitutes change in US policy in area.
US remains deeply troubled by dangers and by burdens
on economies of countries concerned to which undesirable proliferation
of sophisticated weapons in NE gives rise. We are giving careful consideration
in near future to means whereby we might be helpful in halting NE arms
spiral. We would welcome any thoughts in this regard now or in future.
If asked whether US would sell same missiles to Arab
countries, you may respond US would give careful consideration to any
request.
FYI. At such time as response to public inquiries necessary,
Department proposes make low key statement. Posts should avoid public
statements. End FYI.
For London: Foregoing cleared with UK Embassy.
For Paris: You may immediately inform FonOff at high
level in confidence.
Rusk
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |