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

501.MA Palestine/3–949: Telegram

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

secret

Washington, March 9, 1949—5 p. m.

144. Pls take early opportunity discuss orally problem Arab refugees with FonMin along fol lines:

1. Problem of early disposition Arab refugee question matter of friendly and growing concern to USG. Israeli Govt will recall strong US support of Dec 11 res of GA, para 11 of which established principle that refugees wishing to return to their homes and live in peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at earliest practicable date and that compensation should be paid for property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which under principles of int law or in equity should be made good by the govts or authorities responsible.

2. Altho concern this Govt to alleviate distressed conditions among Palestine refugees has been amply demonstrated, USG has consider ably broader interest this problem than temp relief. Considered opinion USG that speedy and equitable solution refugee problem is indispensable if common US-Israeli desire for stabilization and development NE is to be achieved and if exploitation refugee problem by foreign interests inimical best interests peoples NE is to be prevented. USG firmly convinced that insistence by Israeli or Arab Govts to use refugee problem to obtain concessions re final peace settlement would react to serious disadvantage such Govts before world community and US public opinion, and would seriously prejudice establishment cooperative relations among NE neighbors. Conversely, early demonstration magnanimity and humanity in dealing with this problem would contribute greatly to possibility early modus vivendi between Israel and Arab neighbors and would substantially increase security that area.

3. Israeli Govt will recall extent to which Israel’s objectives have been furthered by USG’s attitude re European DP’s and has had recent proofs USG’s desire cooperate thru measures to facilitate thru IRO immigration European LP’s into Israel. US sincerely hopes Israel will display broad humanitarian interest in dealing with Arab refugee problem.

In view our mutual deep interest in objective establishing enduring peace in NE, USG wishes inquire as to plans of Govt of Israel to implement purposes Dec 11 res with respect Arab refugees.¹

Pls repeat reply to US Rep, PCC.

Acheson

1. This telegram was repeated to Jerusalem as No. 144, identified also as Unpal 53, for Mr. Ethridge. Mr. McDonald, in reply on March 14, stated that he had stressed to the Foreign Minister on three occasions prior to receipt of telegram 144 the great concern of the United States concerning implementation of the resolution of December 11 and that he thought it preferable to delay a few days before pressing the matter (telegram 207 from Tel Aviv, 501.BB Palestine/3–1449).