501.BB Palestine/10–1949: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
1277. Palestine Conciliation Commission held first meeting of third session New York October 19. Delegations not present. Following highlights:
(1) Report of Azcarate—Principal Secretary Azcarate reported on his trip to Jerusalem and Arab States during recent recess. With regard to matters which PCC has instructed him take up in Near East, stated that Servoise was discussing question of blocked accounts with Egyptian and Israeli representatives and that there existed possibility for limited unblocking. Regarding possibility that Arabs resident vicinity armistice lines might be permitted work their land located in Israeli-held territory, Azcarate said that Israel and Jordan had reached agreement in principle that matter should be taken up in special committee created in Israeli-Jordan armistice agreement. Re reunion of separated families, representatives of Lebanon and Egypt had entered into contact with Israeli representatives and discussions were progressing satisfactorily. Efforts to persuade Israel accept PCC point of view re orange groves had produced completely negative results.
Israelis had informed Azcarate that reasons for movement government Ministries to Jerusalem were that Tel Aviv was too crowded and in order to give maximum economic and social life to Jerusalem. Israelis maintained that similar movement taking place in Old City, which had in effect become capital of Arab Palestine.
Azcarate informed PCC Jordan building new road to Bethlehem from Old City which will pass close to Government House. Israelis have constructed two block houses near Government House. These located in neutral zone according present line of demarcation in Government House area but under proposed new line demarcation, now being considered by Israel and Jordan, will lie in Israeli zone.
(2) PCC decided hold pro forma meetings with Arab and Israeli delegations in near future.
(3) PCC decided allow matter of appointment UN representative Jerusalem to die on vine by writing letter to SYG expressing regret SYG had been unable find candidate acceptable to PCC.
(4) View wide-spread misinterpretation draft Jerusalem statute, PCC instructed its legal adviser prepare explanatory study refuting main criticisms which PCC might consider releasing to press and members GA at later date.
[Page 1448]Boisanger and Yalcin desire come Washington for consultations with Department. They consider it preferable such consultations take place with participation new US representative and hope he can be named by end of next week.