501.BB Palestine/7–2249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel 1
472. Re our proposal Jlem negots under Riley, Dept has fol main points: Art 8 Armistice Agreement, does not rigidly limit subject matter negots re Jlem but includes any questions which parties may submit. In any case Art calls for formulation agreed principles these subjects and implementation obviously requires agreement in free negots between parties. Unsuccesful effort to reach such subsequent agreement shld not be regarded as violation Armistice Agreement.
Foregoing considerations admittedly technical but support our controlling motivation achieve agreement these questions which are vital to settlement Jlem question. It appears possible that sufficient bargaining [Page 1243] points exist both sides among these related problems to furnish basis compromise agreement. Dept hopes that parties can disregard technical aspects and undertake broadly based talks which might make possible settlement Jlem question.
Sharett’s statement that Israel will resist return former Arab quarters is first official statement we have had to this effect. It appears directly contrary to provision GA res Dec 11 concerning return refugees to homes and contrary gen US policy and principles justice and equity. Question shld at least be subject negots.
Dept considers possible PCC will feel compelled include recommendations territorial and related questions in its detailed proposals for internatl regime which it must present this fall. Highly desirable such proposals have prior agreement parties but if this not possible PCC may have to make own recommendations.
- This telegram was repeated to Jerusalem, Amman, Bern (for the American Delegation at Lausanne), and New York.↩