Stewart Steven: On the direct orders of Dayan, a message
      was put over the air making it plain to the LIBERTY that
      it had been spotted and that unless it sailed instantly
      the Israelis would have to take action. [Washington tried
      to recall the ship but the messages were misrouted]...the
      Israelis felt they had no option but to attack. The
      Americans had been warned and chose to ignore the
      warning. [So the attack took place]...and America decided
      to back down.