501.BB Palestine/2–2149: Telegram
The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
niact
us urgent
149. Today 9:45 a. m. Foreign Minister asked me his office and stated as follows:
February 20, 4 p. m. “final” meeting held Rhodes. Israel accepted “in entirety without reservations” Bunche draft complete text agreement and appendices. Egyptians make two reservations, one “purely [Page 760] technical” other of “principle”. First referred to definition of “what constitutes defensive units” to be allowed within armistice area. Seemingly this reservation adjustable.
In second reservation Egyptians raise question Israel evacuation Beersheba, though no mention such evacuation Bunche final draft.
According information from Eytan late February 20, Egyptian delegation returning Cairo with divided opinion. The two foreign office representatives favor acceptance Bunche draft without insistence reservations. Military member, said “represent court and King”, is believed determined to urge insistence Beersheba reservation as matter Farouk prestige even if new crisis precipitated.
Foreign Minister explained that Bunche draft draws dividing line between western and eastern fronts midway between Transjordan and Egyptian-held territories. Basic idea Bunche text is that eastern front is “irrelevant” until armistice negotiations open with Transjordan. Only1 front involved in Israel-Egyptian negotiations. Beersheba well east dividing line. Hence, its non-inclusion in Israel evacuation zone.
Foreign Minister says that word from Washington to Egypt urging unqualified acceptance latest Bunche draft might result signature armistice Wednesday or Thursday this week. He pleads urgent action by Department.
- There is an apparent garble at this point. Presumably “western” was intended.↩