501.BB Palestine/5–1049: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Troutman) to the Secretary of State
411. Palun 146. From Ethridge. PCC members and Israeli delegates recently discussed informally possibility of commencing Israeli-Arab negotiations through device of preamble of general principle in which both parties could agree. It was thought such an agreement would create favorable atmosphere and provide point of departure for further discussions and for further agreement. Bunche utilized this device to initiate discussion and agreement at Rhodes.
Eytan recently provided PCC with rough draft which might serve as basis for discussion on principles governing future relations and territorial settlement between Israel and Arab states. Israeli delegation did not consider itself bound to accept draft and presented as preliminary suggestion to facilitate negotiations. Draft agreement consists of preamble and two articles. Preamble cites pertinent paragraphs GA Resolution December 11 and PCC meeting at Lausanne. First article refers to Palestine war, Middle East peace and UN charter. Three principles affirmed:
- (1)
- Continued observance Armistice agreements;
- (2)
- Eight to security, freedom and sovereignty;
- (3)
- Agreement prerequisite to establishment diplomatic relations and economic cooperation.
Second article contains definition, of boundaries (in blank), undertaking to respect such boundaries, reservation re subsequent boundary changes, contact between frontier authorities to prevent incidents, settlement of frontier disputes by peaceful means through negotiations and arbitration.
PCC was of opinion draft preamble beginning statement of general principles rather than detailed formulation would prove more acceptable to Arab Delegates at this stage. PCC considered Article 1, subparagraphs 1 and 3 unnecessary and unwise respectively. PCC believed it would be preferable to consider agreement along lines of Article 2 after it proved possible to bring Arabs to agreement on less controversial matters.
Present PCC thinking tends to short agreement containing preamble and one article. Preamble would cite GA Resolution December 11 and Lausanne meeting. First and only article would declare intention not to resort to threat or use of force in settlement to any dispute arising from situation in Palestine and to settle any such dispute or question by peaceful means.
PCC draft is being informally discussed with Israeli and Arab delegates. [Ethridge.]