501.BB Palestine/5–3148: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
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2368. 1. Wright raised urgently with Embassy today interpretation to be placed on paragraphs three and four of SC Palestine resolution of May 29. Because this constitutes vital point for Arab states as Egyptian Ambassador pointed out to Bevin (Embassy’s 2367, May 31, 1 p. m.).
2. FonOff legal adviser is of opinion that no distinction is intended between “fighting personnel” (paragraph three) and “men of military age” (paragraph four). He believes that intention of paragraph four is that if notwithstanding paragraph three fighting personnel should be introduced they should not be mobilized or given military training. If paragraph three meant armed forces it would have said so. Legal [Page 1081] adviser said that above is consistent with basic concept of British draft that neither side should improve its position during cease-fire by acquiring new recruits.
3. Wright said Arab countries are holding cabinet meetings today re SC resolution and that FonOff regards it as most important that US, UK and France not only agree on interpretation these two paragraphs but communicate this interpretation to all parties since this may affect their decision. FonOff has just telephoned Beeley, UK delegate UN, ascertain US views. FonOff is also telephoning Paris.
4. Please advise urgently Department’s interpretation and action Department takes.
Sent Department 2368; Department please repeat to USUN, and also repeat to Palestine, repeated Cairo as 69; Baghdad 55; Beirut 21; Jidda 67; and Damascus 25.