501.BB Palestine/9–1249: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
3670. 1. Question UK diplomatic and publicity support for ESM discussed again today with Burrows in light Deptel 3281, September 10. Burrows emphasized FonOff anxious be all possible assistance and cooperate every way possible in work of ESM. As result Embassy’s representations (Embtel 3596, September 71) FonOff has already instructed British information services make every effort elucidate objectives ESM.
2. Burrows stated FonOff also willing extend diplomatic support to ESM, but wishes do so in most effective manner in order assure success. Primary objections Arab States, as expressed thus far, appear emphasize their fear that political objectives being subordinated to economic objectives and that their case consequently being prejudiced. He [Page 1376] mentioned fear Syria and Iraq that if resettlement refugees in those countries is recommended, their case for resettlement in Israel or Arab Palestine have disappeared.
3. FonOff feels most effective means obtaining support Arab States for work of ESM is to reassure them on political aspects as well. This, in part, is what FonOff hopes for from wider approach. In these circumstances FonOff feels it will have greater success in selling ESM to Arabs within context wider settlement. Burrows understands our reply to UK aide-mémoire may be received tomorrow and hopes that it may then be possible proceed with approach.
4. It was pointed out to Burrows that replies to our approaches to Arab States and Israel had indicated suspicion of ESM. In these circumstances, time is of essence and it appears be matter of some urgency to take every possible opportunity to explain objectives of ESM in order dispel such suspicions before they harden and negate possibility ESM fulfilling its task. Both US and France are doing everything possible to assure that Arab States and Israel have proper understanding of this matter and UK cooperation this task would be helpful and perhaps crucial.
5. Burrows reiterated that FonOff hopes very much that reply its aide-mémoire will be received tomorrow and UK could then proceed wider approach. Meanwhile, FonOff will work out an approach on ESM alone for use in event there is any protracted delay in proceeding with wider approach.