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

501.BB Palestine/2–349: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald), at Tel Aviv¹

secret

Washington, February 3, 1949—2 p. m.

64. Text USRep’s statement Nov 20 before Committee I of GA stated re refugees from Palestine hostilities “We believe that they should be permitted to return to their homes and that adequate compensation should be arranged for the property of those who choose not to return”. Pres on Jan 14 [13?] stated that Nov 20 speech represents US position with respect to Pal.²

GA Res of Dec 11, establishing PCC, calls for return of refugees so desiring, and payment compensation for property those choosing not return. USG strongly supported Dec 11 Res.

In light of this US position re refugee question, and in view fact PCC charged with facilitating disposition this problem, pls inform Dept your views re best means resolving question within framework final peaceful settlement Pal problem. Without approaching Israeli Govt, what is your estimate re its intentions permit repatriation and ability reabsorb refugees? What are your provisional recommendations for solution Arab refugee question?

Repeat reply to Jerusalem for PCC.

Acheson

1. This telegram was repeated to Jerusalem as No. 65 and as Unpal 15.
2. Such a statement was made by President Truman at his news conference of January 13; for text, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1949 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1964), p. 98.