Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 2

501.BB Palestine/5–1148: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)

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Washington, May 12, 1948—7 p. m.

301. The President has approved position paper of May 11, text of which was set forth in Deptel 298, May 11,¹ and draft resolution of May 12 as perfected by telephone between Dept and USUN. Final text of this draft is repeated for the record:

“The General Assembly

Taking account of the resolutions adopted by the Security Council with reference to Palestine on March 5, April 1, April 17, and April 23, 1948,

I

Strongly affirms its support of the efforts of the Security Council to secure a truce in Palestine and calls upon all persons, organizations, and governments to cooperate in making effective such a truce.

II

1. Empowers a United Nations Commissioner for Palestine, to be chosen by a committee of the General Assembly composed of representatives of China, France, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to exercise the following functions:

a. To use his good offices as mediator with the local and community authorities in Palestine to

(1) Arrange for the operation of common services necessary to the safety and wellbeing of the population of Palestine,

(2) Assure the protection of the Holy Places, religious buildings and sites in Palestine,

(3) Promote agreement on the future government of Palestine.

b. To cooperate with the Truce Commission for Palestine appointed by the Security Council in its resolution of April 23, 1948.

c. To invite, as seems to him advisable, with a view to the promotion of the welfare of the inhabitants of Palestine, the assistance and cooperation of appropriate specialized agencies of the United Nations such as the World Health Organization, of the International Red Cross, and of other governmental or nongovernmental organizations of a humanitarian and non-political character.

2. Instructs the United Nations Commissioner to render progress reports monthly, or more frequently as he deems necessary, to the Security Council and to the Secretary General for transmission to the members of the United Nations.

3. Directs the United Nations Commissioner to conform in his activities with the provisions of this resolution, and with such instructions as the Security Council may issue.

4. Authorizes the Secretary-General to pay the United Nations Commissioner an emolument equal to that paid to the President of the International Court of Justice, and to provide the Commissioner with the necessary staff to assist in carrying out the functions assigned to the Commissioner by the General Assembly.

III

(Here would be inserted any arrangements for the City of Jerusalem which may be approved on the recommendation of Subcommittee 10.)

IV

The General Assembly, as of this date, discharges the Palestine Commission from the further exercise of responsibilities under its Resolution 181 (II) of November 29, 1947.”

You are authorized to support foregoing resolution if introduced by another delegation, as we hope may be the case, or, if necessary, to introduce it if that appears desirable in light of negotiating situation at Lake Success.

Marshall

1. Not printed.