501.MA Palestine/7–1849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Syria
293. Urtel 390 July 18.1 In reply your query as to what Dept specifically desires from Syria to advance refugee solution, it wld be of considerable value if Zaim wld authorize Syrian del inform PCC officially of its willingness cooperate in facilitating solution of refugee problem by accepting substantial number refugees for permanent settlement Syria. Such undertaking by Syria wld in no way relieve Israel of its repatriation responsibilities and other Arab states of necessity cooperating in resettlement. We also hope Syrian cld be instructed use its influence induce other dels to adopt similar position simultaneously at Lausanne.
[Page 1246]In making foregoing suggestions, we recall, of course, that Arab dels to PCC at June 25 meeting Lausanne expressed willingness examine resettlement question as soon as they knew how many refugees did not wish return to homes on basis completely free choice, and stated that such, refugees wld find Arab countries ready to take them. However we now hope it would be possible to make more practical and forthright statement along lines suggested, which wld more accurately reflect Zaim’s demonstrated interest in settlement of refugees in Syria and wld materially advance progress of negots towards permanent solution of problem.
Since some progress has been made in private discussion with Arabs and since certain indications exist that Israel may now be prepared make concessions re refugees, we are concerned lest forthcoming Arab League Political Comite meeting result in hardening of Arab attitude, and thereby produce setback to PCC negots.
On suitable occasion, you shld make ref to Arab League meeting and state that Dept understands refugee question will be taken up. You shld then make fol observations:
Dept has received indications that PCC now has reasonable hopes achieving early progress towards practicable solution refugee problem. We are aware that Arab states, who bear burden of refugees, wld welcome such solution. Dept believes that all parties now appreciate fact that solution can only be achieved through effective cooperation Israelis, Arab states, UN and its member govts. For this reason Dept hopes that at forthcoming meetings Arab League, Arab reps will find it possible to adopt position in Beirut which will make it possible for Arab reps at Lausanne constructively to approach resettlement of refugees in connection with overall solution for Pal problem.
Sent Damascus, repeated to Beirut and Amman for similar action vis-à-vis Lebanese and Transjordan govts.2
- Not printed.↩
- This telegram was also repeated for information
to Bern for the American Delegation at Lausanne. Its content was
summarized and sent to Baghdad, Jidda, and Cairo as a circular
telegram of July 22, 11 a. m. (501.MA Palestine/7–2249).
Minister Keeley conveyed the substance of No. 293 to Prime Minister Barazi on July 25. The latter “said he would immediately send cable instructions to Syrian representatives at Lausanne to confirm to PCC formally oft-repeated offer to accept for resettlement substantial number of those refugees who not desiring return to Palestine to live under Israeli administration are compensated for their losses as foreseen in UNGA resolution December 11 and who elect to settle in Syria. Barazi implied number would depend upon Syria’s absorptive capacity in light of amount of resettlement aid furnished (in past tentative figure has been 250,000 to 300,000).
“As for forthcoming meeting Palestine Political Committee Barazi said it likely to be held in Egypt (Alexandria) and he is optimistic it will support realistic and constructive attitude at Lausanne. For his part he will exert his whole influence to that end.” (telegram 408, July 25, 11 a. m., from Damascus, 501.MA Palestine/7–2549)
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