Final_Judgment

413 Photo Section
Arguments for and against a Special National
Security Arrangement with Israel.
a. For
i. From the foreign policy standpoint, there are no advantages.
[Emphasis added by Michael Collins Piper]
ii. From a domestic point of view, the American supporters
of Israel would be pleased and would be less critical of our
policy.
b. Against
i. Would constitute a direct challenge to the Arabs by the
US, destroying growing Arab confidence in our impartiality,
and remove the protective covering of the UN behind which we
deal with most Palestine issues.
ii. Could not be counterbalanced by creation of a corresponding
relationship with the Arabs.
iii. Would render the US responsible in Arab eyes for every
Israeli military venture.
iv.Would encourage the more fanatical Arabs to seek a similar
relationship with the Soviet Union and would hand the
Soviets a very useful propaganda weapon.
v. Would be the only US security arrangement with another
country not directed against the Sino-Soviet bloc, and would
cause us further problems with Pakistan in refusing to take
Pakistan’s side in the Kashmir dispute.
vi. Would lead to increasing Israeli demands for sophisticated
weapons.
vii. Would put greater pressure on Arab leaders well-disposed
toward the U.S.
viii. Would be unnecessary to maintenance of Israel’s security.
ix. Would pose security problems for DOD [Department of
Defense].
We consider it important not to give in to Israeli and domestic
pressures for a special relationship in national security
matters. To undertake, in effect, a military alliance
with Israel would destroy the delicate balance we seek to
maintain in our Near East relations. [Emphasis added by Michael Collins Piper]
Excerpted from: Memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern
and South Asian Affairs (Talbot) to Secretary of State Rusk, June 7, 1962.