Letter To Israeli PM Eshkol Expressing
U.S.-Israel Friendship
(March 22, 1965)
President Johnson writes back to Prime
Minister Eshkol.
Johnson appreciates Eshkol's respect for him and values his
friendship. Johnson feels this will help with the conflict
in the Middle East.
195. Letter From President
Johnson to Prime Minister Eshkol/1/
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I want to thank you for your thoughtful letter
of March 12. I followed very closely your
discussions with Governor Harriman and Mr.
Komer, and I think your own summary is just
right. And I agree with you entirely that
our confidence in each other's understanding,
goodwill, and friendship is more important
than words--though words are important, too.
I also understand fully the responsibility
which you carry for the safety of your land
and people, and it helps me to have your generous
recognition of the responsibilities that fall
to me. I believe that in the future, as in
the past, it will be possible for our two
Governments to meet their responsibilities
for peace and security in the Middle East
by policies built on trust and respect for
each other. In this task we are fortunate
in our traditional friendship for each other--a
friendship which is clear once more in your
generous letter.
Mrs. Johnson joins me in sending our warmest
good wishes to Mrs. Eshkol and to you.
Sincerely,
Lyndon B. Johnson
/1/Source: Johnson Library,
National Security File, Special Head of State
Correspondence File, Israel, Presidential
Correspondence. No classification marking.
The letter bears no indication of the drafter.
Another copy lists both Johnson and Bundy
as drafters, but it is filed with a March
22 memorandum from Bundy to Johnson indicating
that it was drafted by Bundy. (Ibid., Memos
to the President, McGeorge Bundy, Vol. 9)
Sources: U.S.
Department of State |