501.BB Palestine/6–1749: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Troutman) to the Secretary of State
612. Palun 219. From Hare. On June 17 PCC met Arab delegates to discuss their memos of May 18, and 21 (Palun 166 and 1651) and to elicit their further views regarding territorial matters. It was obvious Sharett statement before Knesset reported in Paris Herald Tribune June 16 to which Arab delegate referred at commencement of meeting served as background for Arab remarks.
Egyptian delegate made it clear that until progress is made regarding Arab memos of May 18 and 21 which dealt with both refugees and territory and, in effect, until refugee problem is settled in this manner in accord with GA resolution December 11, he could not on basis of instructions from his government take up other matters such as territorial arrangements. Recent statements have been reported from Tel Aviv regarding frontiers but nothing regarding refugees. It would not serve any purpose, therefore, in placing other matters before Arab delegates (such as Israeli proposal regarding territory).
Yalcin pointed out seriousness of Egyptian statement and asked if three other delegates had similar instructions. Lebanon, Transjordan and Syria supported Egyptian delegate.
[Here follows a detailed summary of the views of the delegates of the three Arab States, stressing Arab lack of trust in the good will and [Page 1155] intentions of the Israelis, their violations of the decisions of the United Nations, and their expansionist tendencies. The Arabs, on the other hand, had “taken progressive steps in signing May 12 protocol and submitting on May 18 and 21 memos. Arabs unlike Jews have signed protocol May 12 without reservation.”]
Lebanese concluded Arab delegates were legitimately preoccupied, that Jewish attitude was no help in common problem and that PCC should therefore act. [Hare.]