Office of the Historian

501.BB Palestine/6–649: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Switzerland

secret
Washington, June 6, 1949—3 p. m.

Unpal 134. For USDel, Lausanne. In recent conversation in Dept Bunche expressed view that Middle East arms embargo should be lifted upon conclusion Syrian armistice. His proposed res (Palun 95)1 intended to have this effect. In formulating its position on this question Dept would be interested in your views as to whether lifting the embargo would have any serious effect prospects achieve peaceful settlement Palestine conflict.2

Webb
  1. Identified also as telegram 132, March 24, from Beirut, not printed, but see footnote 1, p. 869.↩
  2. Mr. Ethridge, in reply on June 8, stated: “USDel believes SC should discontinue certain provisions of outstanding resolutions including arms embargo following conclusion Israeli-Syrian armistice agreement. USDel does not believe such action would have serious effect on peaceful settlement. USDel hopes it will be possible avoid prolonged debate in SC on lifting embargo and that it will be handled as discontinuance of one of several provisions.” (telegram Palun 187 from Lausanne, 501.BB Palestine/6–849)

    The following day, the United States Mission at the United Nations gave its view that “it would be most unwise precipitously and completely to lift ME arms embargo in near future (re Unpal 134). A dangerous armaments race might result if all controls are taken off by SC and there is no agreement among principal potential arms suppliers. Arms sales should somehow be limited not only with regard to war potential but also having in mind economic burden and need for refugee assistance and economic development. There are too many warning signals to overlook, including current tense situation at demilitarized Government House, the frequent boastful military attitude of Israelis expressed in New York, Washington, and Israel. Some Arabs also obviously champing at the bit to secure arms and assume military posture. It seems almost certain that an uneasy situation will prevail in ME for long period, even assuming reasonably successful outcome of Lausanne discussions.”

    The Mission also gave its opinion that limited arms for police forces might be made available, noting that Mr. Bunche had approved at least one Egyptian application to purchase sidearms for police purposes (telegram 693 from New York, 501.BB Palestine/6–949).

    Regarding the difficulties at Government House, see footnote 1, p. 1098.

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