501.BB Palestine/5–1249: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
urgent
587. Bunche has sent Vigier a revised compromise proposal for settlement Israeli-Syrian discussions along the following lines:
- (a)
- Truce lines to be the armistice lines;
- (b)
- A demilitarized zone to be established on Auja model in Egypt agreement. Syrians to withdraw to their frontier. Israelis also to withdraw. For those points on which it is not possible to persuade Israelis to withdraw, a radical reduction of forces to effective strength should be established;
- (c)
- Demilitarized zone to be under UN supervision again on Egypt armistice model. Israeli civil officers to operate in zone;
- (d)
- Syrians to withdraw by stages from demilitarized zone;
- (e)
- If absolutely necessary, Israelis might be allowed one or two outposts in demilitarized zone. This would be last resort, however.
Bunche says he is working on Syrians and believes that they will agree to foregoing plan. He has warned them that they cannot hope for a more favorable settlement if negotiations break down and the question goes to SC. The essential for them is that Zaim have a face-saving device such as Israeli withdrawal or drastic reduction of forces.
Bunche has talked with Eban, who indicated Israel’s unwillingness to make any withdrawals or reduction of forces alleging that possibility of Syrian outpost being left in demilitarized zone should apparently be discussed in negotiations and would nullify withdrawal. [Page 1001] Bunche informed him and Vigier that any outposts which might be established should be in defensive force only and very few in number.
Bunche is using argument with Israelis that his plan will give them their major point which is to get the Syrians out of Palestine.
Bunche would appreciate any assistance possible from Department on foregoing proposals which will be presented at meeting tomorrow.