501.BB Palestine/6–949: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at Lausanne
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Unpal 141. For Ethridge. In event definitive political discussions shld be suspended for extended period, we are deeply concerned over critical delay in activation proposed Economic Survey Group and implementation its terms of reference, since according to present plans further UN and Congressional action wld be based on Group’s recommendations.
In your opinion, is there any possibility prior your departure of extracting sufficient commitment Israel and Arab states to permit immediate formation of Group, without reference remainder of political negotiations? As minimum conditions, such commitment [Page 1109] would appear require agreement Israel and Arabs repatriate and resettle respectively substantial number refugees prior to or at least by time of and as part of final peace settlement (without designation of specific numbers at present time if such designation cannot be obtained), and assumption both sides primary responsibility therefor subject to outside assistance; it wld also require both sides to request or accept, cooperate with and otherwise facilitate tasks of Economic Survey Group along lines set forth in Group’s stated objectives (Unpal 119, Deptel 704 to Bern, May 27 numbered para 1). It shld be made clear both sides that Group’s functions wld be wholly non-political in character, designed solely to expedite final settlement, and that USG wld require fullest cooperation both sides with objectives and activities of Group as pre-condition to extension any US economic aid to Near East through UN or otherwise.
If you consider such commitment adequate and obtainable, how wld you propose PCC issue resolution (Unpal 119) or otherwise establish Group? It is believed that nominations for Group cld be furnished you on short notice. Pls advise Dept urgently diplomatic support which US might extend to obtain foregoing objectives.