Dear Mr. President:1 I fully share the concern expressed in your letter, which I received through your Ambassador late March 13, regarding the situation between Israel and Egypt.2
I can assure you that I am making great efforts to the end that the objectives which we seek of peace and tranquility in the area will be achieved. We are in constant touch with both parties to the dispute, with the Secretary General, and with other friendly governments. Our purpose has been to avoid precipitate action by Egypt or by Israel which might result in a deterioration leading to a renewal of hostilities, thus undoing all that has been accomplished, with consequences of a most grave character.
We must realize, of course, that the current difficulty stems from problems of long standing which require the greatest patience and perseverance in their solution. I am sure you will agree that the Governments of both Israel and Egypt should be urged to exercise the utmost restraint.
The United States, along with other powers, stated in the United Nations its attitude regarding the international character of the Straits of Tiran, and expressed its view that United Nations forces should be deployed at Sharm el-Sheikh following the Israeli withdrawal. It endorsed the Secretary General's statement of February 28 regarding notice to the United Nations before the Emergency Force would be withdrawn from that area.3 Further, the United States set forth its views concerning United Nations functions in the Gaza Strip following Israeli withdrawal. I assume that the statement of our respective positions regarding these matters made in the UN Assembly is what you mean by our "accord commun."4 We continue to stand by these positions, although it is of course obvious that these matters are not for the United States alone to decide.
As you know, it is our belief that the arrangements for the administration of the Gaza Strip can only be within the legal framework brought about by the Armistice Agreement. While that Agreement gives Egypt certain rights with respect to Gaza, it is our expressed hope that Egypt will not exercise those rights but will permit the United Nations, pending some suitable agreement or settlement, to continue responsibilities in Gaza along the lines of the Secretary General's report of February 22.5 If, notwithstanding our efforts to achieve this in its entirety, Egypt should exercise its legal rights and insist upon a return to Gaza of some Egyptian personnel, we would not feel that would create a situation in which Israel would be justified in taking military action. We made our attitude on this latter point clear to Israeli officials prior to the Israeli decision to withdraw behind the Armistice lines. It is our position, however, that if there should be any recurrence of hostilities or violation by either party of its international obligations, including those of the Armistice Agreement, a situation would be created for United Nations consideration. The United States would consult with other members of the United Nations to consider appropriate action which they or the United Nations might take.
In view of the seriousness of this matter our two Governments should, of course, continue close consultation as the situation develops.6 Sincerely yours
