867N.48/5–949: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia 1
187. Reur 334 May 92 pls express Dept’s appreciation FonOff’s indication Arab states prepared to contribute to solution of refugee problem by resettlement. You shld seek early opportunity continue discussion this question with SAG, informing it that USG is making every effort urge Israel accept return those so desiring. In this connection USG noted with interest Israeli statements before ad hoc Committee GA that it is willing contribute solution of problem and that it accepts principle repatriation. We are now urging Israel give early indication that it will agree repatriate considerable number and that it will commence repatriation near future. Israel has, moreover, announced to PCC and ad hoc Committee GA its acceptance of obligations to pay compensation. Re SAG assurances that Arab states will arrange resettlement after refugees fully compensated, every effort will of course be made to speed process compensation. Of necessity, however, latter will be time-consuming legal process, involving detailed determination property rights and examination individual claims. USG therefore hopes that progress towards resettlement those so desiring will not be deferred pending completion this process, and that SAG will use its influence Arab League to bring about realistic and humane appreciation urgent need for commencing solution of problem.
- This telegram was repeated to Bern for Mr. Ethridge and to London, Damascus, Beirut, Cairo, and Baghdad.↩
- Not printed; it described the Saudi Arabian Government’s current thinking in the following terms: “(a) USG should insist return to homeland those refugees willing live Israel. (b) Israeli Government should give guarantee obey UN decisions. (c) Refugees unwilling return should be compensated by those who took possession their properties, (d) After refugees fully compensated, Arab states will arrange resettlement.” (867N.48/5–949)↩