501.BB Palestine/5–2349: Telegram
The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
501. Deptel 507 May 19, 7 p. m. sent via Tripoli received May 22. On preceding day refugee situation touched upon in conversation with Prime Minister, requested primarily to discuss subject matter Depair 227 April 20.1
On mentioning to Prime Minister my understanding that authorized representative Israeli Government had at Lake Success accepted in principle right of refugee repatriation, Prime Minister rather testily replied that application of acceptances in principle could be and might easily be so long delayed as to be valueless. Acceptance in principle and implementation in practice by Israelis were two entirely different things.
[Page 1045]On chancing to meet Prime Minister evening 22nd, following receipt Deptel 507, I had opportunity briefly to allude to Khashaba Pasha’s discussion of refugee problem with Secretary State and to voice hope that Egypt, as a leader among Arab states, might give lead toward study and solution of refugee problem which, as Prime Minister had some weeks ago informed me, would inevitably involve resettlement as well as repatriation. I trusted Egypt, despite its over-population, might accept at least token number refugees for the inspiration and guidance of other Arab states less burdened with population. Interruption prevented my pursuing subject until at hour departure I again reminded Prime Minister [apparent omission], I shall seek another opportunity to revive subject.
British Ambassador,2 whom I accosted same evening on subject refugees, stated he had called on Prime Minister about 10 days ago but had found him apparently little disposed to admit any responsibility for plight of refugees or for initiative in alleviating such plight.
Prime Minister had informed British Ambassador, on being pressed for statement of his thoughts on handling relief problem, that prior to action by Arab states, Israelis should start repatriating Palestine Arabs to Israel and give compensation to those preferring resettlement. British Ambassador found Egyptians inclined to blame everyone but themselves for existing situation.
Continuing, British Ambassador stated Prime Minister had added expression of his desire that relief agencies should estimate number of refugees insisting on repatriation as well as those willing to be resettled.
It will be recalled by reference mytel 430 May 3 that Prime Minister had indicated to me that as soon as Israel had accepted in principle the Arab refugee right of repatriation the Arab states would initiate plans for breaking down refugee problem into its component parts with a view to solving it. To judge from Prime Minister’s remarks to Sir Ronald, Prime Minister is resorting to delaying tactics with new conditions in order stave off disagreeable necessity of spending time, energy and probably money in study of alien Arab problem which he would like to have devolve on others, presumably, UN, US and UK.
Foregoing recital not encouraging from standpoint of supplying evidence of lively Egyptian desire to cooperate in solution refugee problem but perhaps final word yet to be spoken.