357.AC/2–1250: Telegram
The United States Representative on the Palestine Conciliation Commission (Palmer) to the Secretary of State
227. Palun 334. Continuing conversations with Arab delegations have elicited general reiteration that essential preliminary to direct negotiations is convincing evidence of Israel’s good intentions. Unanimous feeling is that negotiations will be fruitless unless Israel has changed position substantially and that until now there is no evidence such change. In US delegate’s talks with Israel representatives Eban and Rafael we have emphasized importance this Arab feeling and without suggesting specific steps Israel might take, have indicated our belief it is up to Israel convince Arabs they have something to gain by direct negotiations. Eban and Rafael seem to understand this [Page 736] need. They expressed satisfaction with publicity given by PCC to report of programs in reuniting families from Jordan and Lebanon as helping to establish better atmosphere. Rafael has reported agreement his government to principle of unblocking 100 pounds of every blocked Arab account regardless of size. He pointed out he had recommended agreement for very purpose of giving Arabs token of Israel’s sincerity. Arab member mixed committee experts, Labbane, has agreed to reconvening committee for working out details, but there is no reason to expect Arabs will regard this step sufficiently important to convince them of Israel’s good intentions.
In long talk with US delegation Thursday Mikaoui went over old ground, but made one significant comment that key to refugee problem lay in territorial adjustments. He agreed repatriation of Arabs to Israel of questionable value either as subject for negotiation or ultimate benefit to refugees.
PCC now considering, at Boisanger’s suggestion, procedure for establishing mixed committees to study all questions at issue, taking as precedent mixed committee on blocked accounts. US delegation has taken position we can support formula of this nature if it has approval of both sides. We have emphasized unfortunate effect a refusal might have, both upon current talks between Jordan and Israel and on subsequent work which PCC might undertake. PCC has agreed with our suggestion to sound out carefully Israel and Arab delegates in effort obtain general agreement to a formula for committee work.
Eban has reported to US delegation on progress Jordan-Israel talks. His information follows closely that reported Department by American Embassy Tel Aviv. PCC has accepted invitation from Boisanger to visit French Foreign Office 20 and 21 February. US delegation will leave Geneva 18 and return 22.