350/2–350: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Trusteeship Council to the Secretary of State
194. Tcdel 58. Raphael (Israeli Representative PCC) saw Sayre this morning (Tcdel 53, February 21) to report his telephone conversation earlier today with Sharett.2 Raphael said he had discussed with Sharett conversation February 2 with Sayre during which Raphael mentioned desirability of at least two weeks delay in TC consideration of Jerusalem. Sharett informed Raphael that he felt good possibility existed that within two weeks: (1) Israel and Jordan could reach agreement on points at issue between them in Jerusalem, and (2) Israel and Jordan could agree on plan which would adequately protect third party and world interests. Sharett promised to hasten efforts this direction. Raphael reported Sharett particularly aware necessity reaching agreement with third party. Raphael asked whether USDel would use influence to postpone February 6 meeting and obtain two weeks delay.
Sayre replied US basic position is achievement solution Jerusalem problem which will meet concurrence world community and be acceptable to parties directly concerned. Re delay he was noncommittal indicating US attitude would depend developments TC meeting February 6 which, he believed, should take place as announced.
Seems likely Raphael will approach Garreau in endeavor obtain postponement Jerusalem discussions. USDel believes while February 6 meeting will take place as planned, there may be move on Monday to postpone further consideration for at least week, possibly longer. Depending on support such move should gain we believe we should support delay but should not take lead in discussion.
2. USDel understands from both Raphael and other sources that Garreau has been stating his plan has US support. He apparently bases this contention on conversation he had Washington with Rusk. USDel proposes indicate that it has not yet received any instructions on Garreau plan, but has considerable doubts as to whether plan falls within “four corners” GA resolution.
Sent Department 194, repeated London 44, Jerusalem unnumbered. Department pass Tel Aviv, Amman, USUN.
- Identified also as telegram 183, February 1, from Geneva, not printed; it advised that Mr. Raphael had informed Ambassador Sayre that “Israel considerably preoccupied by possibility that TC will defeat Garreau Plan and then proceed to draft statute which would be rejected by Israel and Jordan. This would lead to ‘showdown’ in special session GA.… Believed that if Israel and Jordan could reach agreement, TC on behalf world community could then negotiate with two parties, Israel would be willing accept functional international régime for Holy Places if Jordan also accepted.” (350/2–150)↩
- Moshe Sharett, Israeli Foreign Minister.↩