501.BB Palestine/8–748: Telegram
The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
1103–A. (1) Count Bernadotte in reviewing recent developments his mission Palestine with Ireland at Alexandria said he was making progress in obtaining acquiescence existence Israeli state if not its formal acceptance by Arab states. His talks with Transjordan and Lebanese Prime Ministers indicated Transjordan and Lebanon would so acquiesce. Both sought speedy decision. Azzam Pasha also apparently convinced necessity to admit existence Jewish state although not ready to make statement now since he believed time should be given for preparation public opinion. Bernadotte had pointed out to Azzam Pasha that decision could not be delayed beyond next meeting GA in September. Bernadotte expected to see Prime Minister Nokrashy Pasha for his views this problem and that of refugees. He had not seen Prime Ministers Syria or Iraq but expected them to be more intransigent.
(2) With reference refugees Bernadotte said condition 300,000 to 400,000 Arab refugees without food, clothing and shelter was appalling. He hoped various welfare organizations could be induced take interest but basic problem was their eventual return to their home. In this connection Bernadotte said PGI was “showing signs of swelled-head”. Shertok to whom he had put this most pressing and urgent problem had indicated politically PGI could not admit Arab refugees as they would constitute fifth column. Economically PGI had no room for Arabs since their space was needed for Jewish immigrants. Shertok when pressed had replied nothing could be done until peace was made. In any event government reserved right to replace them with Jews from Arab countries who had expressed desire to come to Palestine. Bernadotte commented that it seemed anomaly for Jews to base demand for Jewish state on need to find home Jewish refugees and that they should demand migration to Palestine of Jewish DP’s when they refused to recognize problem of Arab refugees which they had created.
In regard to property Arab refugees he said apparently most had been seized for use by Jews. He had seen Haganah organizing and supervising removal contents Arab houses in Ramie which he understood was being distributed among newly arrived Jewish immigrants. He was putting problem before SC1 but was not counting on its assistance. Also spoke of asking for special session GA to consider refugees.
[Page 1296](3) Concerning future peace Palestine lie would put forward no further proposals but would engage in informal talks. In addition to necessity acknowledging existence Jewish state three possibilities lay before Arabs (1) resumption of war, (2) creation of Arab state as proposed in November 29 SC resolution, (3) partition of Arab Palestine among Arab states. Apparently he leaned towards last solution as enabling Arab states to publicize definite benefits to their people.
He was also working for consolidation Israeli territory although PGI was proving completely intractable. It demanded retention of all Galilee by right of conquest, corridor from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, and the return of Negeb as an area promised Israel in partition scheme. He commented that role of peacemaker for Palestine was decidedly no easy one.
(4) Bernadotte indicated great concern for immediate future Jerusalem. Was convinced action was brewing there. He had called attention to [of] Bernard Joseph, Military Governor Jerusalem to alleged statement by Shertok that Jews now had right to fight Egyptians everywhere since they had attacked Jews in Negeb. He had informed Joseph this was contrary to fact and he hoped Shertok would withdraw statement. Joseph said he could not agree with Bernadotte’s dews. Bernadotte said he would raise question with Shertok when he saw him August 5.
(5) He expressed concern that UN was not giving him tools required for task including adequate observers and guards. He had dispatched Bunche to America and hoped efforts there would bear fruit.
Bernadotte leaving August 5, for Haifa and thence to Rhodes.
Memo of conversation by pouch to London and Arab capitals.
- For Count Bernadotte’s cablegram of August 1 to Secretary-General Lie concerning Arab refugees, see SC, 3rd yr., Supplement for August 1948, p. 103.↩