173. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1
1070. Subject: PCC. Following are highlights of October 20 conversation FonMin Meir (accompanied by UN Ambassador Comay and Emb Counselor Gazit) and Wadsworth (Hope present).
[Page 382]Mrs. Meir said had requested meeting because returning to Israel soon. She wished to talk about Palestine refugee question as related to rumored move to enlarge Palestine Conciliation Commission. (Comay disclosed two Arab papers had carried stories about such move.) If move not actively discouraged by US, FonMin declared, it could lead only to designation some unacceptable bloc-sponsored neutralists and consequent exacerbation “old, unsolvable issue”. While Israel would permit any persons to visit country GOI would have nothing to negotiate with such group. GOI position remained firm; Israel not yielding on acceptance refugees, would discuss compensation but only after plan submitted to solve basic problem, i.e., resettlement of refugees. Israel had some ideas about ways refugees could be resettled in Arab territory, would discuss them in detail with Department at later date.
Wadsworth noted USSR pressing in various UN forums for enlargement of bodies to include “three sides” and stated belief this tactic aimed at reconstructing UN for Soviet ends. US GADel not intending take initiative on PCC and refugee issues now beyond effort epitomized by US statement October 202 at refugee pledging session designed to get other nations carry larger share of UNRWA support.
In response Mrs. Meir’s insistence on more active US role in discouraging further agitation of Palestine refugee/PCC question, Wadsworth said would report démarche to Department and further steps would depend on Department’s instructions, but pointed out US Government attitude conditioned in part on desire greater progress be registered on refugee question in order continued heavy US expenditures for UNRWA could be reduced or eliminated.
On disarmament discussions, Mrs. Meir inquired whether Wadsworth thought Soviets would walk out on talks. He responded they were obviously setting stage for some such action; in event of walkout, he thought great majority of members would remain and should if necessary carry on with UN work without Soviets.