501.BB Palestine/5–2849: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Vincent) to the Secretary of State
restricted
Bern, May
28, 1949—10 a. m.
819. Palun 169. From Ethridge. Reference Palun 165.1 Eytan on May 25 wrote PCC re Arab memorandum along following line:
- (1)
- Wide gulf separates views of Arab and Israeli delegates. Latter has taken wide view. Outstanding problems are organically linked. Piecemeal approach is impossible. Israel is willing to cooperate in solution of refugee problem if solution is seen organically as part of final settlement between Arab States and Israel.
- (2)
- Arab Delegates have refused to talk overall settlement and have concentrated attention on one problem. This narrow view has lead to no results. Arab memorandum proposes return to homes of refugees from certain areas. Memorandum is particularist and unrealistic, characteristic of whole Arab approach and fails take account of present situation in Palestine or of aim of peace.
- (3)
- Israeli Delegation has instructions to make every effort towards final liquidation of Palestine conflict, establishment of sincere peace and normal relations and stability of ME. Ultimate objective at Lausanne must be permanent peace. Within this context Israelis still prepared to cooperate with Arab Delegates in finding refugee solution. Arab Delegates appear, however, to have authority to discuss only one question. Their instructions seemingly disregard everything else as has been clear from start and is confirmed by Arab memorandum.
- (4)
- Israeli Delegation suggests to PCC that determined effort should be made to persuade Arab Government to face problems at issue in spirit greater realism. Israeli Delegation is convinced peace is ultimate objective of parties and that PCC can demonstrate to Arab Delegates that present course has brought goal no nearer. Continued unrealistic demands cannot advance Arab or refugee cause. Proposals in Arab memorandum offer no sort of basis for negotiation.
- (5)
- Israeli Delegation trusts PCC will find way to turn present talks into useful and realistic channels toward peace. [Ethridge.]
Vincent