His part: In May 1959 Gazit coordinated requests for voluntary press restraint to protect a possible emigration route from the Soviet Union through Poland.
As the Soviet–Polish repatriation agreement approached its June 1959 expiry, Gazit warned Yaakov Herzog in Washington, in a top-secret letter, that publicity could jeopardize Jewish immigration. The route ran through Poland: Jewish repatriates arriving from the Soviet Union could then leave for Israel.
He estimated that 10,000–15,000 people might be allowed to leave Poland for Israel. This was a conditional prospect. The letter does not tell us how many ultimately emigrated.
Following Meir’s instructions, he coordinated approaches by Herzog, Eliahu Elath in London and Yaakov Tsur in Paris. They were to seek voluntary restraint first from Jewish outlets, then from general newspapers and wire agencies. Gazit requested prompt progress reports; press compliance is not established by this letter.Diplomatic record
The lead source
Gazit to Herzog: immigration through Poland ↗Documents on Israeli–Polish Relations, 1945–1967 (2009), document 294, 8 May 1959; file 130.23/118/18. Printed pp. 544–545; full-volume PDF pp. 596–597. The linked viewer displays a split of the volume.
Explore the sources and reading notes (1)
- Diplomatic Records[POL59] Gazit to Herzog: immigration through Poland ↗
Documents on Israeli–Polish Relations, 1945–1967 (2009), document 294, 8 May 1959; file 130.23/118/18. Printed pp. 544–545; full-volume PDF pp. 596–597. The linked viewer displays a split of the volume.