867N.01/7–149: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kohler) to the Secretary of State
1661. 1. It seems to us in retrospect that Soviet support for internationalization Jerusalem under TC nothing more than formalistic gesture which had to be made in order not jeopardize adoption and implementation overall partition plan embodied GA resolution November 29, 1947 (Jerusalem’s numbers 437 and 440 to Department).1
2. Soviet supported this resolution because it believed creation weak independent state or states in Palestine would further its basic objective of eradicating Anglo-American influence in area and substitution therefor of Soviet Communist influence. Internationalization Jerusalem under TC not entirely compatible with this objective but certainly better from Soviet viewpoint than British control.
3. While western orientation present Israeli Government not pleasing to Soviet Government, such reports as Beirut’s 282 June 102 point toward concentration Communist Middle East effort in Israel and hence to conclusion that Soviets nevertheless consider Israel as “soft” for penetration purposes.
4. As probability establishment separate Arab state in Palestine begins recede, alternative dispositions Palestine area outside present Israel-held territory would appear to be either incorporation within Israel or within Jordan.
5. Incorporation within Israel would obviously better suit Soviet objectives: in view relative strength parties concerned it also appears more likely outcome.
6. Under these circumstances we may anticipate Soviet shift away from previous emphasis on carrying out November 29 GA resolution, including plan for internationalization Jerusalem. New line may be clothed in phraseology reminiscent of original Soviet preference for unified bi-national state in Palestine and thus have certain appeal to Palestine Arabs. (Communist propaganda line with Arab refugees reported Beirut’s 282 points this direction.)
7. Fact that Soviet press has been completely silent on Palestine issue for some time may also indicate stage being set for new Soviet approach Palestine.
[Page 1195]Sent Department 1661, repeated London 160, Jerusalem 1, Tel Aviv 7, Arab capitals unnumbered.
- Both dated June 23; neither printed; the former cited an editorial in a Communist newspaper in Jerusalem, which denounced the internationalization of Jerusalem as a device “to enable US gain control over Israel” and asserted that even international control over the Holy Places “would result in complete control by American rulers over all Jerusalem.” Mr. Burdett concluded that “Strong opposition by Communist paper to any form internationalization Jerusalem may indicate change in USSR attitude this question.” (867N.01/6–2349)↩
- Not printed.↩