320.2 AA/6–451: Telegram
The Chargé in Lebanon (Bruins) to the Department of State
confidential
Beirut, June
4, 1951—11 a. m.
714. Rapun 163. From Bergus for Blandford.1 Fol summarizes sub-committee report now under active consideration AdCom: Begin summary:
- 1.
- Indispensable preliminary is tripartite declaration to effect US, UK, Fr intend see reintegration job through and that reintegration will not compromise repatriation compensation rights.
- 2.
- Two subjects of relief transfer and reintegration must be linked and problem involves all Arab states.
- 3.
- Therefore after tripartite declaration Arab states would be invited joint conference with PRA. At conference PRA wld acquaint Arab leaders with full situation including movement problem. Question whether detailed joint negotiation wld be undertaken then or on bilateral basis later left open. Timing and method similar approach Israel left open.
- 4.
-
PRA proposals wld include:
- (a) Relief wld be handed over by paying cash to local govts in currencies of contributing countries. Usable contributions in kind wld be handed over at fixed rate as part of cash subsidy. Medical education and welfare should not be separated out.
- (b) Payments wld be based on present figure of 850,000 refugees with escalator clause based internatl price wheat.
- (c) Arab govts wld be encouraged present reintegration projects for PRA consideration. PRA wld offer technical and financial assistance. Relief transfer agreements wld contain provision for reducing relief payments as reintegration projects agreed on. Small subsidy to be paid to govts for stopping relief to refugees already self-reintegrated.
Rapid diminishing availability relief funds wld be emphasized along with major econ advantages accruing from reintegration. End summary.
Wld appreciate your comments.2
Bruins