501.BB Palestine/1–2449
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Stuart W. Rockwell of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
Subject: Palestine
| Participants: | Mohamed Kamil Abdul Rahim, Egyptian Ambassador |
| NEA—Mr. Satterthwaite | |
| NE—Mr. Jenkins | |
| Mr. Rockwell |
The Egyptian Ambassador called at his request. After discussing generalities, he mentioned the armistice negotiations going on at Rhodes between Egypt and Israel. He stated that the Israelis were maintaining an uncompromising position and refused to consider withdrawing to the October 14 military lines in accord with the Security Council resolution of November 4. The Ambassador was fearful least Israeli intransigence would cause the negotiations to break down and said that if the negotiations failed there would be very unpleasant results in Egypt. He said that no country could afford to allow the resolutions of the United Nations to be flouted and he called upon the United States to use its influence with the Israelis in order to persuade them to comply with the resolutions of November 4 and November 16. After all, he said, the Israelis have now received a loan, have practically achieved their territorial objectives, and are sure of obtaining de jure recognition. He thought that it was high time for the United States to do something for the other side, and to persuade the Israelis to abandon their uncompromising attitude.
Mr. Satterthwaite said that the United States Government was extremely interested in seeing a lasting peace come to Palestine and would do everything within its power and make every effort to urge upon both parties the necessity for moderation. He pointed out that the Conciliation Commission was on the point of departure for Palestine and that the impending arrival of the Commission seemed to bring the date of final peace negotiations nearer.
The Ambassador went on to say that Egypt had decided to cease paying so much attention to the Palestine dispute and “to turn its eyes” to the West. He wished every possible step to be taken to repair the damage in relations between the United States and Egypt which had been produced by the Palestine situation. He mentioned Egyptian plans for a request for technical advice and assistance from the United States. In conclusion, he once more referred to the necessity for compliance by the Israelis with the Security Council resolutions of November 4 and November 16 and emphasized the unfortunate effects which would be produced in Egypt if the Israelis failed to do so.
[Page 694]Mr. Satterthwaite said that the United States had always maintained that the Palestine dispute should be kept apart from United States-Arab relations and stated that he was pleased that Egypt had now decided to treat the question in this fashion.