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

501.BB Palestine/11–1948: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State

restricted
us urgent

Paris, November 19, 1948—8 p. m.

Delga 839. Following is text of Israeli reply to Bunche and SC on November 4 and November 16 resolutions of SC, with particular reference to Negev and armistice. This has been communicated formally to Bunche and SC this morning. Comment based on discussion with Israeli and British representatives follows:

“Text of observations of the PGI on the resolutions adopted by the SC on the 4th and 16th of November 1948.

1. The PGI has given most careful consideration to the resolutions of the SC of the 4th and 16th November, and to the Mediator’s communication transmitted on November 14.

2. The government reaffirms its policy of adherence to the principles of the UN. It welcomes the SC’s decision that, ‘in order to eliminate the threat to the peace in Palestine and to facilitate the transition from the present truce to permanent peace in Palestine, an armistice shall be established in all sectors of Palestine.’ The government notes with satisfaction that the SC ‘calls upon the parties as a further provisional measure under Article 40 of the Charter, to seek agreement forthwith, by negotiations conducted either directly or through the Acting Mediator on Palestine, with a view to the immediate establishment of an armistice.’ The Government of Israel is much encouraged by the reiterated call for direct negotiations made in the SC’s resolution of the 4th and 16th of November.

3. It is the consistent policy and practice of the Government of Israel to seek negotiations with the Arab states, whose armies invaded Palestine in wanton defiance of the Charter, with a view to arriving at a permanent peace as envisaged in the resolution of November 16th. The Government of Israel is most anxious to see these negotiations brought to a speedy and successful conclusion and requests that it be notified without delay of the time and place at which its accredited representatives may meet accredited representatives of the Arab states.

4. The Government of Israel notes that the resolution of November 4th calls upon the governments concerned without prejudice to their rights, claims and position regarding a peaceful adjustment of future situation, to withdraw those forces which have advanced beyond positions held on the 14th October. The government understands that it is not the intention of the SC to require the withdrawal of forces from positions held before the 14th October; and it notes the Mediator’s statement that the withdrawal of military forces north of the delined [defined?] line is inapplicable to those maintained in the Negev settlements for defence prior to the 14th October. The government recalls that since the 15th May it has uninterruptedly maintained regular mobile forces in the Negev which moved freely throughout the area, in addition to static settlement defence in the narrower sense of the term. It notes with satisfaction that the SC is not demanding the withdrawal from the Negev of forces maintained there before the 14th October in order to safeguard the security and independence of Israel and to protect its inhabitants. The withdrawal of such forces from inland areas, including Beersheba, would invite predatory activities by irregulars, a constant menace to the safety of all who dwell in this area. If Beersheba is deprived of defence, the way would again be thrown open to Jerusalem whose protection against aggression from the south could not be guaranteed.

5. The Government of Israel states that forces which entered the Negev on and after the 14th October for the purpose of reestablishing, communications obstructed by the Egyptian army in deliberate defiance of the truce and the UN Chief of Staff’s decision, have since been withdrawn to positions north of the line indicated in the Mediator’s memorandum.

6. Regarding the coastal area, the government is prepared, after consultation with the UN staff, to order the withdrawal of its regular forces to the north of Deir Suneid, subject to local security arrangements to be agreed upon with the UN Chief of Staff.

7. The Government of Israel sees a contradiction between the Mediator’s plan for the establishment of neutral or demilitarized zones, and his decision that the Egyptians may remain in the Bir Asluj area, and that Egyptian control of the Bir Asluj-Rafah road shall be recognized and maintained. The government reserves the right to make representations on this point when the matter arises for practical settlement with the UN staff.

8. The Government of Israel desires, in conclusion, to reaffirm its regard for the decision and recommendations of the SC, and its readiness to do everything possible to facilitate a peaceful settlement in the conflict which has arisen in Palestine, as a result of Arab aggression. It has nominated Col. Yigal Yadin and Mr. Reuven Shiloah as officers whom the UN Chief of Staff may consult in connection with further arrangements. The government reiterates its urgent request to the Acting Mediator that it be informed without delay of the place and time of the meeting with the accredited representatives of the Arab Governments, The Government of Israel expresses its sincere hope that this meeting may open direct negotiations establishing peace and good neighborliness—an objective which Israel has pursued since the very beginning of this unhappy conflict.”

Sent Department Delga 839, repeated London as 1297.

Marshall