501.BB Palestine/2–2849: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
170. Palun 55. [From Ethridge?] Meeting with Ben Gurion February 25 opened by Ethridge as chairman Commission who stressed refugees were main concern Arab States and constitute such human and psychological problem to them that if Israel could make advance gesture regarding refugees, beyond concessions which might be made in negotiations, general settlement would be greatly facilitated. Ethridge also emphasized Israel needed and wanted peace.
Ben Gurion agreed but strongly stressed Israeli need for military security as well as peace. Security meant survival for Israel. Question of security more acute for its people than any other because Arab States through concerted action might be able exterminate them. Prime Minister repeated Shertok’s previous statement that no one raised finger to help Jews on termination mandate. When challenged by Ethridge, Ben Gurion explained no help had been given when efforts were made to destroy Israel. Ben Gurion conceded, however, that UN had been of substantial help. Ethridge said it would be great shock to people of US to hear that Shertok and Ben Gurion had said they had not helped in creation and survival of Israel.
[Page 776]Regarding Prime Minister’s insistence on security all three Commissioners commented Israel could not enjoy security on basis military strength. Peace and cooperation with neighbors were essential elements, Ethridge pointed out UN alone has potentiality of collective military force. Boisanger recalled Arab distrust of Israel’s intentions and need for relaxation of tension as prerequisite for peace. Ben Gurion believed security would rest on steady increase in country through immigration. Second element would be peace and cooperation with Arabs. Third element would be world peace. Yalcin questioned whether immigration would not result in expulsion of Arabs. Ben Gurion replied not one single person has been or would be expelled to make place for others. Development of country would provide adequate space.
Ben Gurion emphasized belief Israel and Arab States have common destiny in Middle East Expressed belief not only in peace but in full-sided cooperation with Arabs including help in mutual development. Promised all possible help in search for peace. If Arabs give up objective of throwing Jews into sea, peace will be easy. Israel has no claim on Arab States but for peace and friendship.
Ethridge pointed out that Arab distrust of Israeli intentions and Israeli insistence on military security might both be resolved through deposit of negotiated treaties with UN. UN represented best and only means of guarantees at present time. Ben Gurion agreed.
Commission plans remain Jerusalem week of February 28. Boisanger and Yalcin tentatively plan return Paris and Ankara respectively March 3 for consultation with their governments returning Jerusalem about March 13. Ethridge plans remain Jerusalem working out future plans and perhaps visiting various areas of Palestine such as Galilee and Negev for background.
Repeated Baghdad 7, Beirut 20, Damascus 6, Cairo 10, Jidda 4, pouched Amman. [Ethridge?]