501.BB Palestine/5–148: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
urgent
542. In our estimate of the present situation the prospect of success of the unofficial truce negotiation would be improved if some action of the GA could be taken along lines which would indicate to the JA that persistence in a course of action which stakes their success on military victories in Palestine would encounter disapproval by the UN.
At the same time the situation in Committee 1 has reached the point where debate is drying up and where it would be unrealistic, particularly in the light of rapidly deteriorating situation in Palestine, to press for further consideration of trusteeship proposal whether in Committee 1 or subcommittee in the absence of forces to implement trusteeship or at least the minimum of agreement between the Jews and Arabs which is represented by our Articles of truce.
We believe also that some such action as this is necessary to lay groundwork for further action which might be taken in case truce negotiations fail, GA is unable to reach definite conclusions by May 15 and Jewish and Arab states are proclaimed on that date.
Any GA action of this character would require some stand concerning the present status of the resolution of November 29. We are, [Page 881] therefore, considering the possible desirability of the introduction, possibly on Monday, of a resolution along the following lines:
The resolution would begin with a recital of the resolutions adopted by the SC on March 1, April 1, April 17 and April 23 and of the communication to the first committee by the president of the SC. Following this recital the resolution would continue as follows:
The GA:
Appeals to all persons and organizations in Palestine and especially the AHC and the JA and to all governments and particularly those of the countries neighboring Palestine, to comply with the foregoing resolutions of the SC;
Affirms that its resolution of 29 November 1947 does not afford justification to any person, organization or state to withhold its compliance with the said resolutions of the SC;
Requests the SC to continue to keep it informed of all reports received from its truce commission for Palestine and of all subsequent action which the SC may take in regard to the situation in Palestine;
Declares its determination to continue its study of the future government of Palestine in accordance with the provisions of the call for its present special session.
Are we authorized to introduce a resolution along these lines ourselves or to attempt to get some other friendly delegation to do so with promise that the US will support it if introduced.
Possibility of SC meeting on Palestine Monday afternoon reinforces desirability of some action by Committee 1 along above lines Monday morning.1
- According to telegram 291, May 8, 3 p. m., to New York, the Department did not concur in USUN’s suggestion. This decision, made by Mr. Lovett, was communicated toy telephone to Mr. Ross toy Mr. McClintock at 10:15 a. m., May 2 (501.BB Palestine/5–748).↩