501.BB Palestine/5–349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt
507. During call on SecState May 17, Egyptian FonMin1 expressed disappointment re recent events in UN, but stated Egypt nevertheless desires pursue course of friendship with US on mutually satisfactory basis. Secy stated US reciprocates these feelings and desires encourage good relations between Egypt and US.
Secy then emphasized deep concern of USG re Arab refugees, stating that we are continuing urge Israel accept principles of Dec 11 res He said our representations had not been as successful as we wished, but that we had made some progress. We believe substantial number refugees shld return Israel but it is evident that a number could not. Latter wld have to be resettled elsewhere.
FonMin replied that Egypt was concerned with this problem, as factor which wld disturb peace entire NE. Expressed hope that all so desiring wld be permitted return. Egypt, as one of world’s most densely populated regions, had no room for additional immigrants, he added.
Secy stated he was aware of this, but felt Egypt cld play constructive role in Lausanne discussions. Problem wld require agreement between parties concerned, and USG hopes for Egypt’s cooperation. Khashaba Pasha stated in gen terms that Egypt prepared cooperate with US and other countries in helping achieve solution of refugee problem.
Pls take early opportunity pursue subject further with PrimMin, expressing Dept’s appreciation FonMin’s assurances cooperation as indicated preceding para and PrimMin’s assurances (urtel 430 May 3)2 that, once principle of repatriation was established, he was confident Arab states wld at once begin to study practical aspects of resettlement problem. USG hopes Egyptian reps Lausanne will be instructed by Egyptian Govt use their influence to bring about similarly constructive and realistic attitude on part of their colleagues.
USG fully appreciates difficulty Egypt wld have in absorbing great number refugees. However, if Egypt were to accept small number, it wld contribute to reduction of problem and make it easier for other states assume responsibility for those which they are able absorb. USG agrees with PrimMin that considerable number refugees will not wish return to Israel.
USG noted with interest Israeli Govt’s acceptance of principle of repatriation, in its statements before ad hoc Committee GA, and its assurances that it is prepared contribute to solution of problem. USG [Page 1035] will continue use its best efforts induce Israel accept return substantial number and urge early commencement repatriation activities.
USG hopes Egypt will use its great influence in Arab world to urge Arab states adopt cooperative attitude towards this urgent problem, as important means contributing to its early solution.