Office of the Historian

501.BB Palestine/5–349: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

secret
London, May 3, 1949—5 p. m.

709. Proposal contained Deptel 1473, April 29; repeated Bern 556 discussed with Michael Wright and Beith of Foreign Office. Both agreed that UK approach Arab states re principle resettlement might have beneficial effect but felt that in making it, account should be taken differing circumstances countries concerned. Wright pointed out Transjordan has already agreed to accept refugees while there is little likelihood that appreciable numbers could be resettled in Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. He also remarked Arab states would presumably be reluctant voluntarily give up remaining bargaining weapon by subscribing to resettlement principle. We pointed out that approach did not envisage consideration number each country would be called on to absorb but merely agreement to a principle. Moreover, Arabs should be willing to do so in return for Israeli acceptance principle repatriation.

[Page 970]

Our comments appeared to overcome Wright’s objections, and he said he would immediately refer proposal to Bevin with recommendation that it be approved.1

Sent Department 709; repeated Bern 36.

Douglas
  1. London, on May 4, advised that Mr. Bevin had given his approval and that the Foreign Office had sent instructions to British missions in Arab capitals “directing them to inform respective governments that UK fully supports representations made by US representative re agreement principles resettlement.” (telegram 1740, 867N.01/5–449)

    The Department informed London on May 4 that the “Views you presented to FO as reported Embtel 709 of May 3 timely and coincide Dept thinking. Irrespective great difference ability individual Arab States absorb refugees essential they as group make progress toward recognition principle which will permit states who can to take such action at appropriate time without breaking Arab line. … Essential that both [Arabs and Israelis] make progress toward compromise position and US and UK should assist in achieving this end with all means available.” (Telegram 1515, 501.BB Palestine/5–349)

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