Office of the Historian

501.BB Palestine/8–949: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at Lausanne

secret
Washington, August 9, 1949—7 p. m.

Unpal 223. Reference is made to Palun 2631 which reports info from Shiloah that Eban had been informed by reliable source close to White House that Pres recently stated to source he wld oppose any attempt to deprive Israel of Negeb and believed figure of 100,000 refugees to be repatriated by Israel very reasonable.

Policy of Pres regarding territories and refugees has been stated repeatedly by Pres, State Dept and USDel PCC. Shiloah and Eban shld be left under no illusion that such policy has been changed or that there is any difference of view between Pres, Dept, and USDel on these matters.

You are authorized to show copy this tel to Shiloah in Lausanne. USUN authorized to take similar action with Eban, and AmEmb Tel Aviv with Israeli FO. For your info this tel cleared with White House.2

Acheson
  1. Dated August 3, from Lausanne, not printed.↩
  2. This telegram was cleared by telephone with Mr. Clifford. It was repeated to New York for action and to Arab capitals, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, London, Paris, and Ankara for information.

    Mr. Ross, presumably on August 11, conversed with Mr. Eban about the content of Unpal 223. The latter, after checking with the Israeli Embassy, gave a “very careful statement” of his understanding of the conversation between President Truman and Ambassador Elath, as follows: “In reply to Elath’s exposition regarding the Israeli position on the Negev and certain, reports that Israel should give up the Negev, the President said he did not know of any such proposals.

    “Elath indicated the willingness of his government to repatriate, 100,000 refugees. The President said he appreciated that step and the attitude that prompted it.” (telegram 915, August 11, 9:09 p. m., from New York, 501.BB Palestine/8–1149)

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