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

501.BB Palestine/5–249: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Legation in Switzerland ¹

secret

Washington, May 2, 1949—8 p. m.

566. Unpal 88. For Lausanne. Re Palun 127² Dept considers Secretariat working paper re Jerusalem constitutes sound basic approach and hopes that in due course it can be made basis future work in preference French proposals.

Dept also approves suggestion providing compulsory arbitration controversies re fulfillment by states concerned of obligations undertaken re Jerusalem area. We consider that tribunal should be given jurisdiction such controversies on motion UN Administrator or authorities either zone. Our position at this stage should be that decisions should be legally binding.

Dept understanding that UN would bear expenses of UN Administrator, his staff, guards for Holy Places, international tribunal, and other expenses appropriately chargeable. Authorities governing local zones would bear local costs, and costs their participation in mixed bodies.

Acheson

1. This telegram was repeated to Jerusalem.
2. Also identified as telegram 300, April 16, from Jerusalem, p. 920.