501.BB Palestine/6–849: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel 1
344. Dept gathered from conversation with Shiloah June 6 that Israeli Govt is under impression that note which Pres recently directed be delivered Tel Aviv was in large part motivated by Israeli offer at Lausanne to take Gaza strip and refugees therein. Shiloah said Govt was “astonished that it should be accused of territorial expansionism” because of this offer.
[Page 1096]Pls take earliest opportunity disabuse appropriate Israeli officials this misconception, leaving no doubt in their minds that dispatch of note was occasioned by rigid Israeli position, as set forth by Eytan, on refugee question and overall territorial settlement, despite reiterated US suggestions these matters arising out of concern for peace and stability NE and based on principles fairness and equity.
With regard to Gaza strip, state that US sees no reason why area might not be incorporated Israel as part final territorial settlement provided this cld be achieved by negot with and full consent of interest Govts and providing equitable territorial compensation made to those Govts if desire such compensation.
- This telegram was repeated to Bern for the American Delegation at Lausanne.↩