Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

784A.5/2–1451: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel ¹

confidential

Washington, February 14, 1951—3 p. m.

340. Re Embtel 466, Feb. 7.² Emb Tel Aviv and ConGen Jerusalem shld be guided by fol:

1. US does not recognize sovereignty of Israel or Jordan in Jerusalem. UN is still seized of Jerusalem problem, and US attitude toward status of City will continue to be framed in light UN situation.

2. US continues support principle internationalization Jerusalem along lines modified internatl regime since full internationalization impracticable.

3. Without prejudice final UN decision on status Jerusalem, Amb and Emb personnel auth proceed Jerusalem as necessary carry on official business with Israel Govt officials.

4. In discretion Amb, personnel Emb may visit Jerusalem for unofficial purposes often as desired.

5. Officers ConGen Jerusalem may deal with Israel Ministries in Jerusalem on dipl business as well as routine Consular affairs, but shld be guided in this by wishes of Amb.

Inform friendly colleagues foregoing position.³

Acheson

1. Drafted by Mr. Waldo and cleared in NE, L/NEA, and UNP. Repeated for action to Jerusalem and for information to Amman, Haifa, and London.
2. Supra.

3. In telegram 200 from Jerusalem, April 23, the Consulate General in Jerusalem raised the question of whether the Embassy in Tel Aviv had administrative jurisdiction over the Consulate General such as would enable Ambassador Davis on his own initiative to transfer personnel between it and the Embassy. (784A.5/4–2351)

   The Department in telegram 114 to Jerusalem, April 26, answered this question in the affirmative and added: “Does not conflict Deptel 91 Feb 14, setting forth polit relation Israel, Jordan, Jerusalem. Until status Jerusalem resolved, no administrative jurisdiction Amman over any part of Jerusalem being authorized at this time.” (784A.5/4–2351)