501.BB Palestine/7–1649: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices 1
priority
In order to strengthen PCC and to improve chances fulfillment its task, you are instructed immediately to approach govt to which you tire accredited along fol lines:
“Govt of US, motivated by sincere conviction that every effort must be made to facilitate progress towards successful conclusion PCC’s task, and to accord PCC fullest 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 authorized 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. US Govt must emphasize that terms of ref under which PCC was established by GA res of Dec 11 have special application to govts and authorities concerned as well as to members PCC. It is earnest conviction of US Govt 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 [Page 1231] view to all questions covered by GA res. After talks resume, therefore, refugees and territorial questions should be subject to concurrent discussion.”
Govts of Israel and Arab States should also be informed that similar approach has been made to both sides.
Re other members of PCC, Turkish Govt has already agreed to approach Govts of Israel and Arab States as has US Govt. Dept hopes to be informed shortly that French Govt has also agreed.2
- At Cairo, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Damascus, and Amman.↩
- Chargé Stabler discussed
the content of this circular telegram with the Acting Prime
Minister and King Abdullah on July 20. The King gave his views
as follows: “Regarding Jerusalem said his ideas and those of
Israel were close and felt there should be no difficulty
reaching agreement. Regarding territorial settlement believed it
should be based on partition with adjustments provided latter
did not harm Jordan. Regarding refugees indicated his belief
that as general principle all refugees should be resettled in
Arab areas. If large numbers should return [to Israel] they
would be source of constant friction between Arab States and
Israel and dangerous situation would be created. However Israel
should permit return those desiring become Israel citizens
(which he thought would be few) and those who desire enter
Israel to settle their properties.… Again made plea for US
financial assistance in form loan and machinery.” (telegram 286,
July 20, 8 p. m., from Amman, 501.BB Palestine/7–2049)
On July 21, the Jordanian Foreign Minister informed the Chargé that he had instructed his delegation at Lausanne “to discuss all outstanding issues without regard to priorities on basis of UN decision Jerusalem, frontiers and refugees.” (telegram 289, July 23, 10 p. m., from Amman (501.BB Palestine/7–2349))
Cairo, on July 22, advised that after discussions with high Egyptian officials, there was “no reason to believe instructions Egyptian delegation Lausanne have been amplified in sense recommended by Department.” (telegram 702. 501.BB Palestine/7–2249)
↩