501.BB Palestine/10–1648: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at Paris

top secret
us urgent

Gadel 241. Eyes only for Rusk from McClintock. Text of draft resolution set forth Delga 351, Oct. 16, meets with general approval in Dept except for considerable reservation re Art. 8 and some thought as to possible drafting changes in Para. 5. Latter will be subject separate tel. Meanwhile Lovett (who signs this message) is sending text Delga 351 to White House for approval, since we realize from Para. 2, Delga 367,1 that time is of the essence.

Suggestion Delga 366, Oct. 16, for Jewish and Arab trusteeships over Jerusalem is disturbing to me2 and to colleagues in NEA. However Lovett, who is keenly aware budgetary, political and military difficulties inherent in establishing UN police force for Jerusalem, is attracted by your suggestion.

[Page 1496]

Meanwhile Dept has officially inquired National Defense Establishment its views re UN Jerusalem police force.

For time being Para. 8, Delga 351, may take care situation without prejudicing final solution. For your own consideration I desire advance view that partitioning of Jerusalem, even under UN trusteeships, in effect grants PGI what it has asked in respect of Jerusalem. Corollary will be inevitably request for a grant of land corridor from Israel to Jewish Jerusalem trusteeship. Eventual outcome, in opinion here at working level, will inevitably be that all Jerusalem will become a Jewish city with or without UN benediction.

A further consideration is whether any Arab Govt would find itself able, in view political position in Arab world, to accept trusteeship for a fragment of Jerusalem.

I realize that these comments are not very constructive but at least they snag for your scrutiny certain fishhooks in the basket. [McClintock.]

Lovett
  1. Dated October 16, not printed.
  2. Mr. McClintock.