Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

501.MA Palestine/6–1849: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

confidential

Washington, June 18, 1949—3 p. m.

2104. Congressional action US appropriation for UN Refugee Relief nearly completed. Of $16 million appropriated, $4 million is conditional upon finding by Pres that other nations have met their obligations to UN Relief Palestine Refugees. Congressional feeling strong that total contribution should be made only if effective support forthcoming from other UN Members. To date only $6,690,000 contributed by govs other than US. Under terms of appropriation bill Dept considers it may be necessary to limit US contribution from conditional $4 million to amount total contributions from other nations exceeding $12,000,000.

Griffis informed UK considering contribution one million pounds to British Red Cross for refugee program in Trans-Jordan and plans approach UK on possibility channelling that contribution through UNRPR. Additional UK contribution in this amt combined with anticipated French contribution of 500 million francs and listing of Arab contributions in services and supplies estimated at approximately $4 million would bring total contributions from govs other than US to about $16 million. If UK contribution Red Cross does not go thru UNRPR we see little prospect obtaining US conditional contribution $4 million without which UNRPR would be obliged close down Oct. 1.

Therefore most essential for success of both present and long range programs that proposed UK contribution for British Red Cross be channeled thru UNRPR. We see no reason why under terms UN resolution of Nov. 19 conditional gift could not be made to UNRPR so that UK could obtain credit at home for supporting British Red Cross and abroad for supporting UNRPR. Dept hopes Griffis can proceed London immediately explore matter with FonOff. UNRPR Lake Success informed Dept that parliamentary questions on proposed contribution scheduled June 21.

Please bring foregoing attention FonOff and express hope satisfactory formula can be found for purposes indicated.¹

Webb

1. This telegram was repeated to Paris for Ambassador Griffis and to New York. A message of similar import was sent to Paris at the same date and time. It stated that it was “Most essential for success of both present and long range programs that French contribution be effected.” (telegram 2177, 501.MA Palestine/6–1849)