501.BB Palestine/11–948: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
niact
Delga 661. Two-hour conference last night, Jessup, Ross with Pearson, McNaughton (Canada), McNeil, Beeley (UK) on SC phase Palestine question failed produce agreement on text of resolution along lines Bunche draft.
Pearson apparently strongly favors Bunche approach but not willing take initiative in absence agreement between US and UK. Pearson favors Bunche draft because he feels November 4 resolution probably a mistake for reasons (a) very doubtful whether SC would follow through and apply sanctions if Jews refuse withdraw from present Negev positions; and (b) if SC failed to apply sanctions in such event, whatever authority remains to SC would be completely lost and Jews would probably feel free take over all of Palestine. He favors Bunche resolution because he feels this gives Jews a way out of dilemma they are in and might induce them to do what they could not do in face of SC order.
McNeil argued very strongly in favor of pending UK resolution and indicated UK felt it essential to extend scope November 4 resolution, in particular to situation in northern Galilee (with Israeli forces still on Lebanese territory). While admitting difficulty Israelis complying any SC withdrawal order because of public opinion and political difficulties at home, UK felt strongly SC must maintain its authority and apply sanctions in event Israeli refusal to withdraw from advanced positions in Negev and northern Galilee. He indicated UK Government firmly committed assist Arabs in event failure SC to apply sanctions in circumstances indicated. Beeley showed us this morning Foreign Office telegram instructing UKDel to “strongly oppose any further consideration Bunche resolution”. Two principal arguments against Bunche resolution in Foreign Office view are (a) passage this resolution would confuse peaceful settlement efforts of GA and by drawing “negotiation red herring” across trail might well [Page 1560] ruin chances of effective GA action on Bernadotte Plan, and (b) resolution along Bunche lines would appear to supplant and in any case would definitely weaken effect November 4 resolution. Foreign Office telegram was, however, despatched before UKDel here had cabled report last night’s discussion.
Conversation with Parodi this morning indicates he also feels November 4 resolution a mistake and that he strongly favors SC action along lines Bunche resolution. He stated he cannot understand at all objectives UK policy and feels may lead to disaster.
If present situation continues, Council will be in stalemate without possibility majority votes in favor either UK resolution or Bunche resolution. On other hand we feel that it is possible to modify Bunche resolution in such way as to meet UK objections fairly without losing main purpose.
We will, therefore, continue strongly urging UK acceptance compromise text.
Sent Dept Delga 661, repeated London as Paris 1214.