Office of the Historian

501.BB Palestine/2–249: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Jerusalem

confidential
Washington, February 2, 1949—7 p. m.

62. Unpal 14. [For Ethridge.] AmRep Tel Aviv, together with diplomatic and consular Corps Tel Aviv, invited attend opening Constituent Assembly Jewish Jerusalem Feb 14. Dept has serious doubts, view US position in support UNGA decision re internationalization Jerusalem, concerning advisability any American reps Palestine attending opening assembly. Dept has so informed AmRep Tel Aviv,1 [Page 718] stating further instructions to follow after matter fully considered here. (Ur 86 Jan 31.)2

Meanwhile, Dept would like receive indication views PCC re implications holding Constituent Assembly Jerusalem and Ethridge opinion re attendance US reps.

Acheson
  1. In telegram 63, February 2, 7 p. m., not printed.↩
  2. Not printed; it reported a notice published in the local press calling upon occupants of abandoned property in Jerusalem to establish their right to hold such property. To Consul Burdett, this action “appears to be direct application in Jerusalem area of Israeli law disposing of property in manner and on grounds not permitted to military occupant under international law.” The Consul cited Israeli plans to hold the Constituent Assembly in Jerusalem, to conduct municipal elections there in March, and to discontinue the military governship thereafter. He also noted the permanent establishment of the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He then suggested that “appropriate representations soonest to PGI re these developments which seemed designed prejudice internationalization Jerusalem and are part current PGI policy treating Jerusalem as integral part Israel.” (867N.00/1–3149)

    Jerusalem, on February 3, reported that the first full meeting of the Conciliation Commission took place that day, with Mr. Ethridge in attendance. The Commission discussed the developments set forth in telegram 86. Mr. Ethridge asserted that the “Commission had clear mandate from UN in GA resolution December 11 and suggested Commission immediately make informal contact with Israeli Government for purpose of stating its position and ascertaining Israeli Government’s views.” The Commission agreed to do so and also decided “to arrange informal meeting between Commission and Israeli and Arab military commanders Jerusalem separately for purpose of expediting proposed military and administrative agreement.” (telegram 107, 501.BB Palestine/2–349)

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