Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

501.BB Palestine/1–1449: Telegram

The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Secretary of State

restricted

Cairo, January 14, 1949—7 p. m.

59. ReEmbtels Rhodes conversations. Press morning 14th re Rhodes conversations describes them as having strictly military character and that in Egyptian view SC decisions November 4 and 16 must be made effective before studying decision December 29.

Text stresses conversations began 13th with Ralph Bunche, interim UN Mediator, and mentions influence of US in bringing about Rhodes talks as supplement to prior representations by Mediator’s Cairo representative Azcarate, with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Further stressed that Rhodes conversations would not possess a political character and that the sole civilian member delegation Mohamed Saleh Foreign Office official who, however, has been detached to serve in office of Mediator.

Press item further states that conversations do not envisage recognition of “pseudo state of Israel” and that there will be neither direct talks with Zionists [n]or round-table conversations. These will be conducted in same manner as those held by late Count Bernadotte,¹ likewise at Rhodes.

Patterson

1. The United Nations Mediator on Palestine was assassinated in September 1948.