501.BB Palestine/8–1549: Telegram
Mr. Stuart W. Rockwell to the Secretary of State
Palun 275. Following substance questions put in writing to all delegations by PCC August 15:
(1) Is delegation prepared to sign declaration according which (a) solution refugee problem should be sought in repatriation of refugees in Israeli-controlled territory and in resettlement of those not repatriated in Arab countries or in zone of Palestine not under Israelis.
It is understood that repatriated refugees will become ipso facto citizens of Israel and that no discrimination will be practiced against them both regarding civil and political rights and obligations imposed upon them by law of land.
Also understood that repatriation and resettlement will take place subject technical and financial aid to each party by international community.
(b) In case survey group should be charged by UN with establishment development projects in Near East of which main purpose would be to facilitate repatriation, resettlement and economic and social rehabilitation of refugees, all parties will undertake to facilitate task of group and take all possible measures to aid in implementation of such solutions as group might propose?
(c) All parties will state that above mentioned understanding concerning refugees will not prejudice lights which parties reserve in connection with final territorial settlement?
(d) Funds for emergency aid extended to refugees must be renewed until above-mentioned technical and financial aid shall have been allotted by international community?
[Page 1314](2) Without committing its government and considering that no detailed statistics exist regarding refugees, is delegation prepared present provisional estimate of approximate number refugees its government would be ready to accept?
(3) What territorial adjustments does delegation desire be made to working document annexed to Protocol of May 12?1
- Mr. Rockwell suggested to the French and Turkish Delegation that they “make concerted effort persuade all parties give affirmative answer re refugees subject Palun 275 and persuade Arab delegates make politically feasible replies to question re territory.” He also urged that the Department, after consulting the Turkish and French Governments, make appropriate representations as soon as possible to the interested Arab States and Israel. (Palun 276, August 15, 5 p. m., from Lausanne, 501.BB Palestine/8–549)↩