501.BB Palestine/5–449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Switzerland 1
us urgent
583. For Ethridge as Unpal 91. Israeli Amb called at Dept May 4 to deliver advance copy of statement on refugees which he said Eban would probably make before GA Ad Hoc Committee May 5.2 Said statement being made result US Govt suggestion.
Statement declares Arab states responsible for creation refugee problem. Israeli Govt believes solution inseparably linked with solution issues outstanding between Israel and Arab states and can only be found within final settlement creating conditions cooperation between Israel and its neighbors.
Israel anxious contribute solution problem. Study of economic, irrigation and other possible potentialities Arab states reveals greater possibilities for stable solution by resettlement Arab states rather than Israel. Israeli Govt thus contends resettlement in neighboring areas be considered as main principle of solution. “However, Israel will be ready to make its own contribution to a solution of the problem. It is not yet ascertainable either how many wish to return under conditions that may be prescribed by the Assembly or how many Israel can receive in the light of existing political and economic considerations.” Extent of Israel’s contribution settlement this problem will depend entirely on formal establishment peace and relations good neighborliness between Israel and Arab states.
Israeli Govt has already announced acceptance of obligations to make compensation for lands abandoned and previously cultivated. Reaffirms its obligation protect persons and property all communities living within its borders.
While indicating its readiness to do all possible contribute solution final settlement refugee problem, Israeli Govt hopes that those states which caused problem by their initiative in proclaiming war will face up squarely to their responsibilities and undeniable opportunities available to them for settling problem in manner beneficial their own economic needs. Immediate declaration by all govts their desire for early peace settlement would create favorable atmosphere for discussion this problem.
- This telegram was repeated to USUN New York, Tel Aviv, and London.↩
- Mr. Eban addressed the Ad Hoc Political Committee on May 5 in connection with Israel’s application for membership in the United Nations. During the course of his address, he discussed various issues between Israel and its Arab neighbors, including the refugee question and the City of Jerusalem. A summary of his address is printed in United Nations, Official Records of the Third Session of the General Assembly, Part II, Ad Hoc Political Committee, Summary Records of Meetings, 6 April–10 May 1949, p. 227.↩