Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

501.BB Palestine/5–2749: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Switzerland

restricted

Washington, May 27, 1949—4 p. m.

704. Unpal 119. For USDel, Lausanne. Herewith Dept’s suggestions for terms of ref proposed Econ Survey Group (or such designation as maybe decided upon) in form of draft res:

“ PCC

Desiring to implement paras 10 and 11 of GA res Dec 11 and to obtain info which will serve as basis for recommendations for further action by GA, member states, appropriate specialized agencies, and int orgs, and

Having noted declarations of reps of Israel and Arab States with respect to repatriation, compensation, and resettlement of refugees:

1. Hereby establishes, pursuant to authorization granted under para 12 of foregoing res, an Econ Survey Group to examine the econ situation in countries affected by the recent hostilities, and to make recommendations which will enable govts concerned to further such measures and development programs as are required to overcome econ dislocations created by the hostilities; to reintegrate refugees from the hostilities into econ life of area on self-sustaining basis within minimum period of time; and to promote econ conditions conducive to maintenance of peace and stability in the area;

2. Instructs Econ Survey Group to recommend an integrated program to achieve the foregoing objectives, including an operational plan for carrying out program recommended together with estimated costs and methods of financing;

3. Appoints fol persons to constitute Group (Unpal 113);

4. Bequests SYG to furnish such staff and services as Group may require;

5. Authorizes Group pursuant para 14 of GA res of Dec 11 to invite assistance those Govts, specialized agencies and internatl orgs which may be able facilitate its work through provision of expert personnel and technical info;

6. Requests Group to submit report to Comm not later than Sept 1, 1949.”

For your info, Dept believes Econ Survey Group might approach its task along fol lines:

In collaboration with govts concerned

(a) Explore measures which can be taken by govts concerned without outside financial assistance to achieve objectives para 1 above;

(b) On basis existing plans and surveys, examine proposals submitted by govts concerned for econ development and settlement projects requiring outside assistance which would make possible absorption of refugees into economy of area on self-sustaining basis in minimum time and with minimum expenditure;

(c) Examine other econ projects which can, with outside assistance, provide temporary employment for refugees not employed on development and settlement projects para (b);

(d) Examine such other development and settlement projects requiring outside assistance which, though not associated directly with employment and settlement of refugees, would serve to achieve objectives of para 1;

(e) Estimate number of refugees who cannot be supported directly or indirectly through employment envisaged under paras A–d, together with estimated period during which direct relief will be required and cost thereof;

(f) Study problem of compensation to refugees for claims for property of those who do not return to their homes, and for loss of or damage to property, with special reference to relationship of such compensation to proposed settlement projects;

(g) Study the problem of rehabilitation of refugees including matters concerning their civil status, health, education, and social services.¹

Dept feels Commission discussion on compensation should be postponed pending report of Group (para f). Analysis problem compensation being made by Dept, will be forwarded next week.

Your comments requested re foregoing, which is being discussed with Brit.²

Webb

1. The Department, on August 11, added a paragraph h, which read as follows: “Propose organizational structure to achieve objectives para 1 within UN framework to coordinate, supervise and facilitate measures for relief resettlement, econ development and related requirements such as community service facilities hearing in mind interests of all govts concerned and probable sources available funds from within and without area.” (telegram 1097 to Bern, 501.BB Palestine/5–2749)
2. This telegram was repeated to London as No. 1848 and to New York, the latter for information. London, on June 2, advised that the British generally agreed with the suggested terms of reference and the Department’s interpretation of them (telegram 2157, 501.BB Palestine/6–249).