501.BB Palestine/7–2849: Telegram
Mr. Paul A. Porter to the Secretary of State
Palun 253. Shiloah arrived today July 27 and in private conversation stated following position of Israeli Government which he said adopted because US pressure.
- 1.
- Israel now prepared discuss refugees outside context of final Palestine settlement.
- 2.
- In discussions of refugee question Israel prepared if PCC so desires, officially commit self to accept specific number refugees for repatriation. Shiloah showed no inclination to mention number and I did not press him in this first meeting.
- 3.
- Actual repatriation of above number of refugees could not
begin until:
- a.
- Overall plan for repatriation and resettlement drawn up and means to put in operation assured. Israel could not be expected accept refugees under US pressure only to find that remainder continue in relief camps and are not resettled.
- b.
- There must be evidence, convincing to all parties, that real progress being made toward final settlement. Israel did not insist upon formal peace treaties but could not be expected to admit large number of refugees if Arab states had no intention of making sincere efforts to reach peaceful settlement.
Shiloah emphasized necessity for international refugee repatriation and resettlement plan and urged that US hasten formulation such plan.
When question territory mentioned Shiloah said PCC would have “bitter wrangle” with Israeli delegation over any plan involving reduction Israeli occupied territory. Strongly outlined familiar position re necessity Israeli retention Negev. Maintained that “alleged” psychological desire of Arabs for continuous land connections between Arab states merely hastily erected screen to cover 19th Century ideas of military strategy. Said Israeli Government “might” consider suggestions for territorial “adjustments” which did not involve loss of Negev.
I am not encouraged by this position but shall of course attempt to make most of it and plan press for continuous sessions PCC with Arabs and Israelis in attempt discover soonest whether possibility of agreement exists.