501.BB Palestine/8–549: Telegram
Mr. Paul A. Porter to the Secretary of State
priority
Palun 266. PCC August 4 decided not transmit formally to ArabDels Israeli proposal re refugees since if did so instant rejection would result and impasse be created. Substance proposal discussed privately by PCC members with chief ArabReps. Reaction emphatic. Atassi1 told me, for example, proposal mere propaganda scheme and “Jews either at your feet or throat”. Urged US make economic arrangements with Syria and other Arab states for resettlement refugees and general development and Israel be left to condemnation world opinion. Other reactions not so violent but equally adamant in considering refugee program less than token.
[Page 1288]PCC August 5 held private meeting with Shiloah in which he urged reconsider position. He expressed regret discussions could not proceed on imaginative scope regional development. Stressed historic opportunity ME countries for internal development, emphasizing with exception Egypt others have area, water resources, etc. but lack population. Defended proposal as consonant with Israel’s economic capacity and internal security.
Sassoon then directed attention to July 27 congress refugees in Lebanon after which spokesmen congress allegedly requested (1) no cession parts Arab Palestine to surrounding states and (2) that refugees be armed to retake Arab Palestine. Sassoon stated this known in Israel and urged as proof security conditions paramount.
PCC pressed Shiloah review proposals and ascertain if more flexible attitude could not be adopted. PCC meeting with Arab Dels August 6 to solicit informal proposals re their possible contribution solution refugee problem.
These events plus private talks convince me that although atmosphere may appear more conciliatory on surface basic positions remain unchanged. Feel obliged point out Department meeting July 282 with Elath apparently promptly reported Shiloah who advised me that US policy linked to no specific refugee figure and that Israel proposal did not necessarily produce adverse reaction in Washington. Urge Department make position clear to Elath and clarify any possible misunderstanding. We cannot take firm position here if there is slightest doubt as to Department’s position (reference Unpal 214).3
Now becoming more convinced no progress will be achieved here re refugees if problem approached in terms mathematical absolutes.
Therefore ask Department’s approval following procedure:
- (1)
- Spend ensuing week attempting ascertain dimensions difference on refugees.
- (2)
- Press PCC privately consider suggesting own solution re major outstanding points (reference Palun 265).4
- (3)
- Submit privately to each del conclusions PCC as basis working draft.
Would hope reach (3) in 10 days but would not guarantee achievement any timetable here.
- (1)
- Declaration by Arabs and Jews of responsibility solution problem.
- (2)
- Recognition of variables in statistics.
- (3)
- Agreement each party accept refugees in accordance capacity and availability internal economic assistance.
- (4)
- Pledge by all parties give due weight findings survey group connection specific development projects.
- (5)
- Statement by parties and/or PCC of targets re refugees as based on known facts and foregoing assumptions but with understanding that target number not absolutely binding on any party.
Would like Department’s immediate suggestions re foregoing. Believe this or similar approach only realistic hope accord. While privately ArabDels make specific commitments all reluctant take positive public position.
Consider desirable survey group be set up soonest and am awaiting name US member in order PCC may request SYG establish.