501.BB Palestine/6–1549: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Vincent) to the Secretary of State
top secret
Bern, June
15, 1949—noon.
940. Palun 207 from Hare. USDel doubts possibility obtaining agreement mentioned Unpal 1461 in near future for following reasons:
- 1.
- Israel is unwilling negotiate with Syria at Lausanne on any question including political and economic matters under GA resolution December 11 pending conclusion Israeli-Syrian armistice.
- 2.
- Arabs unwilling meet Israelis directly at Lausanne or even to reply indirectly through PCC pending affirmative Israeli action re refugee question.
- 3.
- Resulting stalemate as Israelis unwilling talk refugee question outside context general settlement including territorial question.
- 4.
- PCC including French, Turkish and US delegates as well as Arab delegates and perhaps Israeli Delegation are not technically prepared to discuss.
USDel believes water resources question should be studied by economic survey group before it is considered by PCC or meeting of states concerned. [Hare.]
Vincent