357.AC/4–450: Telegram
The United States Representative on the Palestine Conciliation Commission (Palmer) to the Secretary of State
priority
486. Palun 346. Eban informed Barco in private note April 2 he had succeeded in cancelling press releases New York and Geneva. In Tel Aviv statement had been issued to press with release hour at 5:30 p. m. and was withdrawn before that hour. There might be some unreliable correspondent, however, who would reveal contents, but he thought embargo would be generally respected. If leak occurred, we must not regard as breach good faith in undertaking Eban had given to hold up publication. At best there would be complete silence. At worst, result would be “minor pop” and not “major explosion” that would otherwise have ensued.
At meeting April 3 PCC agreed advise Israel Delegation that release of Israel note at present time would in PCC opinion injure chances for success of PCC proposal. If Israel Delegation decided at later date release note, PCC hoped prior to taking action Israel Delegation would consult with Commission. PCC decided for present to withhold release memorandum of March 29.
[Page 841]Afternoon of third, Eban and Rafael called on US Delegation at our request. They did not seem disturbed over withholding their note from press for time being, but emphasized that in absence indication PCC proposals possible success they believed Israel would be compelled call for support world opinion along lines note to PCC. Israel was hemmed in by hostile neighbors and had to look outside Middle East for help. They would therefore hold note in reserve for eventual use, but would not release without further talk with US Delegation.
Referring to reports that Arab League had passed resolution for expulsion any member League making peace agreement with Israel, Eban said if this were true he could see little chance of Arabs accepting PCC proposal. He therefore thought that text Arab League resolution and attitude individual Arab States towards its implementation should be immediately ascertained. Eban gave US Delegation impression that Israel would be prepared accept PCC proposal if there were indications Arabs would do likewise. Israel might not, however, be willing go on record as accepting PCC proposal without first receiving clear indications of Arab acceptance to avoid creating impression Israel overly anxious from weakness. US Delegation would appreciate being kept informed of developments Arab countries re reported Arab League resolution and PCC proposal.