501.BB Palestine/8–1749: Telegram
Mr. Stuart W. Rockwell to the Secretary of State
Palun 283.
[Here follow two paragraphs on discussions between the Jerusalem Committee and Israeli officials concerning the movement of additional government offices into Jerusalem, as reported to the Department in telegram 506, August 3, from Jerusalem (867N.01/8–349).]
[Page 1322]New subject: Jerusalem Committee has now adopted text draft instrument for submission to PCC and is in process drafting accompanying report. Final text represents compromise French and US views but does not do violence to essential points US position and includes major number Department’s drafting suggestions. French reluctant adopt any text at this time, and growing concern French delegation over Vatican opposition to division Jerusalem between Israel and Arab autonomy only overcome by firm US attitude re necessity submitting proposals to PCC which follow closely basic provisions May 18 draft, and willingness compromise on following points without which no French agreement likely:
- (1)
- Immigration.
- (2)
- Final decision disputes between religious communities over Holy Places in Jerusalem to rest with international tribunal in event a Commissioner’s efforts toward settlement fail.
Re (1), provision, now so drafted as to have little meaning, reads as follows:
“Article 5. The responsible authorities of Jewish and Arab zones shall not carry out an immigration policy of a nature to change the present demographic equilibrium of the area of Jerusalem.”
Re (2), French FonOff follows Vatican view that Commissioner cannot be entrusted with final decision in disputes concerning status quo.
US representative in agreeing above changes has emphasized final decision on draft rests with PCC. Important step will have been taken however when draft submitted to PCC with approval French representative Jerusalem Committee. This should be accomplished in few days if no further instruments from Paris. Text of draft and report will be airmailed.