Editorial Note
Ambassador McDonald, on June 11, cabled to the Department, for the personal attention of the President and the Acting Secretary, that “Press and private reaction here to incomplete reports from Washington and elsewhere of contents of President’s note indicate complete unanimity that: (1). US has no right moral or legal for its ‘demands’; (2). Such demands must be ‘resisted’.” He concluded by urging that “further US views not be expressed in terms of imperatives as in concluding paragraphs President’s note unless President and Department are prepared to use extreme measures ultimate effort [effect] of which no one could now foresee.” (telegram 445 from Tel Aviv, 501.BB Palestine/6–1149)
Later the same day Ambassador McDonald sent a followup cable to the Department for the personal attention of Clark Clifford at the White House. After referring to his telegrams 439, June 8, page 1100, and 445, he stated: “Motivated only by my grave concern Department, with best intentions of causing Israel to make what seems to Washington ‘reasonable and necessary concession’ on refugees and boundaries, our government so embittered Israel opinion that Ben-Gurion and Sharett would be forced despite their will and better judgement to resist US demands. Israel concessions with refugees are possible if request for these is not again put in form of demand. But under no circumstances except use of overwhelming force will Israel yield any part of Negev. …
“This telegram and two referred to above have been written in full remembrance of your final words to me when I was leaving White House before coming Israel.” (telegram 446 from Tel Aviv, 867N.01/6–1149)