Memorandum of Conversation with Foreign Minister of Israel Moshe Sharett, Theodor Kollek, Moshe Keren, and

Mr. Waldo, December 15, 1950. Secretary of State File. Acheson Papers

MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION

December 15, 1950

SUBJECT: Israel Suggestion that US Stockpile Wheat and Oil in Israel

PARTICIPANTS: S - The Secretary Moshe Sharett, Foreign Minister of Israel Mr. Theodor

Kollek, E. E. and M. P. of Israel Moshe Keren, Counselor, Embassy of Israel Mr. Waldo -

NE

I received Messrs. Sharett, Kolleck and Keren at their request.

Mr. Sharett began by referring to his earlier discussion with me on October 20

concerning the food shortage in Israel. In a continuation of his earlier remarks, he said

that Israel was faced with a very difficult situation as regards both food and fuel supplies,

particularly in the light of the dangerous international situation. Israel's plight arose

principally from the fact that Israel was isolated from the neighboring Arab states and

could not depend upon them for any type of essential supplies. He wondered whether, in

view of the possibility of war between the East and the West, the US would be willing to

stockpile wheat and oil in Israel. Food and fuel were Israel's most urgent and vital

necessities, without which it could not exist. Stockpiling by the US of these commodities

in Israel might fit in well with US plans for the area. Israel, of course, had no objection to

similar aid by the US to the neighboring Arab states. The Foreign Minister stressed,

however, that Israel was dependent on sources outside the area for food and fuel,

whereas the Arab states were not. Israel hoped that the US Government might decide

that a stockpile of wheat and oil in Israel was in accord with US interests and therefore

desirable. The Foreign Minister pointed out that these supplies would belong to the US

Government and could be drawn upon by the

use of some of the supplies by Israel, consideration would also be given to questions of

payment and other related matters. Israel's population was prepared to do its part in the

event a third world war should engulf the area. Israel's capacity to undertake any

commitments would depend upon the availability of supplies of these essential

materials.

I said that this question was one which would have to be very carefully considered by all

sections of this Government interested in this type of problem. We were glad to hear that

he intended to discuss the matter with other officials of this Government, including Mr.

Harriman and General Marshall. I suggested that he give the interested officers in the

Department pertinent details of his suggestions and we would consider them.

On leaving, the Foreign Minister said that he had a very pleasant visit in the US, had

learned a great deal, and was especially appreciative of the helpful cooperation which the

US delegation to the UN had given to the Israel delegation on all matters. He was

particularly grateful for the fact that we had supported his delegation in their stand on

Jerusalem and had voted against the Belgian resolution in the GA.

Dean Acheson