501.BB Palestine/7–1249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
priority
2528. Pls inform FonOff that USG giving urgent consideration to means strengthening PCC and improving chances fulfillment its tasks. Pursuant these objectives, USG suggests immediate approach, in which it requests Turkish and French support, to Arab states along fol lines:
“Govts of France, Turkey, and US, motivated by sincere conviction that every effort must be made to facilitate progress towards successful conclusion PCC’s tasks, and to accord PCC full cooperation therein, hopes Govts concerned will instruct their delegations to enter into forthcoming discussions at Lausanne with new and constructive approach towards all issues outstanding. Up to present time, progress of PCC has been impeded by fact that certain delegations to Commission were authorised by their Govts to discuss or negotiate only with respect to limited aspects of Pal settlement, or to insist upon establishment of priorities in approaching the several questions. PCC [Page 1218] was established by GA res of Dec 11 have application to govts and authorities concerned, as well as to members PCC. It is earnest conviction of PCC member states that all delegations to Lausanne on reconvening July 18 should be given full authority by their respective govts to enter into discussion and negotiation of all issues which fall within purview of PCC—particularly status of Jerusalem, territorial settlement, and disposition of refugees. Indeed, a primary purpose of Protocol of May 12, 1949 was to enable Arab and Israeli delegations to extend their exchanges of views to all questions covered by GA res. After talks resume, therefore, refugees and territorial questions shld be subject concurrent discussion.”
Substantially similar approach wld be made Israel, taking account of fact that Israeli del has full authority discuss all outstanding questions.
At time of foregoing representations, we propose inform both sides that this bilateral approach.
If FonOff agrees re foregoing approach, USG wishes send immed tel to Arab states and hopes Turk and French Govts prepared take similar action.1
- This telegram was repeated to Ankara for action and to New York for information. Ankara advised, on July 15, that the Turkish Foreign Office agreed to approach the “Arab states along lines Department’s draft although not in identical language. Will also approach Israeli Government through Turk Consulate General Jerusalem.” (telegram 322, 501.BB Palestine/7–1549)↩