501.BB Palestine/10–2449: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
Delga 138. PCC met with Arab delegates October 24 at request Egyptian delegate who had been instructed by Cairo make certain observations. Following highlights of meeting.
Abdel Moneim began by recalling that from very beginning PCC discussions Egyptian Government had insisted upon return of Palestine refugees. Egypt had acquiesced in PCC moves designed facilitate final Palestine solution, such as May 12 protocol and sending ESM to NE, but still refugees not returned.
When ESM visited Egypt Abdel Moneim made following proposals to Clapp:
- 1.
- Original inhabitants Gaza area should be permitted cultivate hinterland other side armistice lines, which not being cultivated by Israelis. Such arrangement would improve food situation Gaza area.
- 2.
- Original inhabitants that part of Gaza strip which became no man’s land under Israel-Egyptian armistice agreement should be permitted return from Egyptian-occupied Gaza area.
- 3.
- The many refugees in Gaza strip who come from Beersheba region should be permitted return and cultivate lands which lying fallow.
Abdel Moneim concluded his remarks re refugees by asking PCC whether it possible consider refugee and territorial questions separately. Could Arab delegates make territorial demands without reference to disposition refugee problem? He asked for PCC guidance. PCC states that in its opinion there could be no lasting solution of one question without a solution of the other, but that progress could be made separately toward solution of each problem.
Abdel Moneim then referred to PCC letter to Arab delegates of September 2 transmitting text of draft declaration concerning Holy Places outside of Jerusalem1 (document A/AC/25/2). He said that in opinion of Egyptian Government Arab states, which traditionally have scrupulously respected Holy Places, were not the ones to ask to sign such a declaration. When UN had decided re more important Holy Places in Jerusalem, then Egypt would abide by this decision. When PCC asked him clarify, Abdel Moneim heatedly replied that in simple, terms Egyptian Government saw no reason sign declaration of this “minor aspect” Palestine problem while major issues covered in December 11 resolution remain unsolved. He thereupon orally committed [Page 1451] Egyptian Government to protect such Holy Places in Palestine as might remain under Egyptian jurisdiction and said this should be sufficient for PCC.
All other Arab delegates strongly followed same line, refusing to sign draft declaration and orally making same commitment as had Egyptian. Fawzi Pasha (Jordan) suggested that PCC submit these oral declarations to GA as commitments Arab states re Holy Places outside Jerusalem.
Comment—This new common Arab front very likely is result maneuvers Fawzi Pasha to persuade Arab delegates support King Abdullah’s desire see status quo maintained in Jerusalem. The Department will recall that one of provisions of PCC draft declaration on Holy Places outside Jerusalem is that pending final settlement Palestine problem governments concerned would guarantee freedom of access to Holy Places in territory at present occupied under armistice agreements.
Abdel Moneim next informed PCC that upon instructions Cairo, Egyptian delegate was preparing draft declaration concerning rights of Arabs who are now or may be residents of Israeli-occupied territory. Declaration is to be based on declaration of human rights and genocide convention and will provide for formal guarantees concerning individual and property rights of Arabs in question. Egyptian delegate will submit this draft declaration to PCC with request that PCC ask Israeli delegate that arrangements be carried out for declaration to be made by Israeli Government.
PCC said would examine declaration as soon as Egyptian delegate made available.