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

501.BB Palestine/7–848

Draft Resolution Prepared by the United States Delegation at the United Nations¹

New York, July 8, 1948

The Security Council.

Taking into consideration that certain governments have rejected the appeal of the United Nations Mediator for prolongation of the truce in Palestine;

Determines that the situation in Palestine constitutes a threat to the peace within the meaning of Article 39 of the Charter;

Orders all governments and authorities which have not already done so to accept immediately the prolongation of the truce for such period as may be decided by the Mediator;

Requests the Mediator to continue negotiations with the parties concerned relative to the terms and conditions applicable to the continued period of the truce.²

1. As telephoned from New York to Mr. Rusk on July 8.
2. Marginal notation of July 9 by William I. Cargo, Acting Assistant Chief of the Division of Dependent Area Affairs: “Above text suggested by USUN for introduction into SC On 7/8/48. Indicated that UK would support. In meeting in Mr. Lovett’s office (Mr. Lovett, Mr. Rusk, Mr. Satterthwaite, and Mr. Cargo present) decision taken not to introduce resolution. Decision taken in view of continuing strong UK diplomatic pressure on Arabs and desire to allow this initiative to continue, fact of Bernadotte’s forthcoming visit to Amman, and possibility of Abdullah accepting and urging a prolongation of truce. Decided that USSRDel should speak strongly in SC emergency meeting for extension of truce pointing out that a resumption of hostilities would be a breach of the peace under Chapter VII and that US would support, in such a contingency, appropriate SC action pursuant to the Charter. Mr. Rusk informed USUN in this sense.”