DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
DATE: August 29, 1950
SUBJECT: First call of the Ambassador- designate of Israel
PARTICIPANTS: The Secretary The Ambassador-designate of Israel John F. Simmons, Chief of Protocol
COPIES TO: S S/S S/S-PR NEA ANE
His Excellency Abba Eban, newly appointed Ambassador of Israel, called on me today to present copies of his credentials and to request an appointment with the President.
After the usual exchange of courtesies, the Ambassador spoke with particular pleasure and emphasis in regard to his new assignment to Washington. He said that he was already very familiar with the United States, and that his service as Israeli Delegate to the United Nations, which position he would continue to hold in addition to his position as Ambassador here, had brought him into close contact with American personalities, customs and traditions.
The Ambassador stated that he felt greatly honored to be the second person to hold this position, since the formation of his country, and that he would endeavor to carry out his new responsibilities to the best of his ability with the background of a particularly friendly attitude toward the United States.
I gave the Ambassador the assurance of my satisfaction at his appointment, telling him that he could count on me to be of any possible assistance, should the occasion arise in connection with the carrying out of his new responsibilities in Washington.
No matters of a political nature were discussed.
S/S-PR:JFSimmons:jjm