501.BB Palestine/5–1149
The Secretary of State to the Israeli Ambassador (Elath)
Excellency: I have received Your Excellency’s letter of May 11, 1949, on the occasion of the admission of Israel to the United Nations. The sentiments which you expressed in connection with United States support of your country’s application for membership are greatly appreciated. The United States Government, which has consistently advocated the admission of Israel to the United Nations, was gratified at the outcome of the vote in the General Assembly and warmly welcomes Israel to the family of nations.
The Department has noted with interest your statement concerning the effect upon the Israeli Government of the recent conversation between you, Mr. Eban and myself. I am pleased that your Government does not underestimate the importance which the United States Government attaches to the points made during that conversation, especially the questions of the refugees, the status of Jerusalem, and the final boundaries.
Now that the problem of the admission of Israel to the United Nations has been resolved, this Government is convinced that the way has been cleared for positive progress towards a final peace. The question of the refugees seems to be the principal obstacle blocking the way to a Palestine settlement. The United States Government was gratified to note that the Israeli representative’s statements before the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly gave assurances that Israel will contribute to the solution of the refugee problem and that it accepts the principle of repatriation. With the cessation of hostilities in Palestine, the security problem involved in the return of refugees to Israeli-controlled areas has greatly diminished and this Government sees no compelling reason why the repatriation of a significant number of refugees should not commence in the very near future, particularly to those areas which are outside the boundaries of Israel as defined by the General Assembly resolution of November 29, 1947.
The Arab states have greatly relaxed their previous position on the question of resettlement. Consequently, action by Israel along the lines of our recommendations would in all likelihood give the Arabs concrete proof of Israel’s desire for a lasting settlement and provide the impetus to bring the Lausanne talks to a successful conclusion. This [Page 1022] Government firmly believes that a substantial measure of repatriation of refugees on the part of Israel is essential to a solidly-established peace in Palestine, and that, in the interest of the future relations between Israel and its neighbors, the wisdom of such a step is undeniable.
With regard to Jerusalem, it is felt that substantial progress has been made in bringing closer together the views of our two Governments on that problem. The responsibility, however, for formulating proposals concerning the type of international regime to be established has been placed by the General Assembly upon the Palestine Conciliation Commission, and therefore the final position of this Government on the matter will be taken in connection with the work of the Commission.
It is gratifying to note that Israel has pledged itself to a settlement of the boundary question by agreement through negotiations. This Government agrees that concessions will have to be made by both sides if an agreed territorial settlement is to be reached. You are of course well aware of the basic position of the United States on the boundary question.
This Government notes with pleasure your assurances of Israel’s acceptance of the General Assembly as the surpreme arbiter on outstanding problems, and of Israel’s desire to make the utmost effort to bring its policy into conformity with resolutions of the United Nations. This laudable attitude on the part of your country will be of substantial assistance in connection with the final settlement of the Palestine problem. The Israeli Government’s policy of seeking the settlement of outstanding questions by agreement with the Arab states under the auspices of the United Nations is fully in accord with that of the Government of the United States.
Accept [etc.]