501.BB Palestine/2–1549: Telegram
The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
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129. ReDeptel 88, February 14. Foreign Minister in Jerusalem. Had extended conference with Acting Foreign Minister Shiloah 12th noon. Knox, Andrus,1 Van de Velde2 present. Shiloah informed as follows:
Eban’s comments February 11 erred on optimistic side. However, Yadin3 and Shiloah go Rhodes February 16 resume conference with compromise formula re Auja area. On Beersheba and Auja Israeli position is:
- 1.
- PGI agreeing evacuate town El Auja and withdraw forces from a surrounding area only slightly smaller than area Bunche proposed. Also offering withdraw all but three battalions from whole area south and west of Bunche “armistice” line of November 13.
- 2.
- PGI cannot agree withdraw forces Beersheba because (1) no armistice negotiations with Transjordan as yet (2) eastern front not politically related southern-western front (3) presence Trans Jordan Egyptian troops, plus British troops Akaba, plus irregulars, on eastern front constitute entirely different problem and must be dealt with later (presumably in negotiations between Transjordan and Israel). Shiloah opines Egypt realizes this and will concede different status Beersheba and eastern front.
- 3.
- Israel not accepting Bunche proposal put seats Armistice Commission in El Auja, Bir Asluj, Beersheba. This proposal not indicative of “equal status” both armies and PGI will insist seat Armistice Commission either on border, or in towns located equally in Egypt as well as Israel.
- 4.
- PGI will concede any reasonable formula meet Egypt half way but wherein concessions clearly involve political prejudice or military disadvantage Israel will not agree. Shiloah says he aware desirability help Egypt maintain prestige.
- 5.
- Shiloah’s cited clause in Bunche proposals stating provisions of armistice do not prejudice any “political, territorial; or custodial” claims will later be considered by appropriate international authority. In Shiloah’s opinion this clause should allay Egypt apprehension re PGI position re Auja or Beersheba.
- 6.
- PGI of definite opinion that negotiations Rhodes should not create new area of “international supervision” in Negev. Problem El Auja can be solved by Israel–Egypt Armistice Commission.
- 7.
- Shiloah stated that as proof sincerity PGI willing give details troops and arms to remain in western Negev and guarantee freely to facilitate inspection by Armistice Commission.
Comment: Mission believes that PGI has been withholding further compromise during last six days awaiting outcome Histadrut4 elections 13 February and opening of Assembly in order clear political atmosphere here. Shiloah’s arguments re Beersheba understandable. Mission opinion is that PGI latest proposals constitute reasonable basis compromise and will possibly elicit favorable Egyptian response. Likely these proposals are as far PGI can go.
Department pass Army, Navy, Air.