357.AC/8–2451: Telegram
The United States Representative on the Palestine Conciliation Commission (Palmer) to the Department of State
56. Palun 434. Eyes alone McGhee from Palmer.
As planned am leaving Jerusalem today. Expect see Blandford Beirut tomorrow, Riley Paris Sunday.
Had thought Riley, Bergus, Blandford fully briefed re Dept thinking and that they wld understand that throughout PCC consideration [Page 841] of possibilities suggested in Secty’s letter to me1 USDel had been in touch with and counseled by Dept. Hope they now understand clearly Dept relation to USDel initiative and that USDel leadership in expeditious PCC consideration of proposals favored by Dept was in response to Dept desire that no time be lost. Although dates in schedule proposed by PCC were later than those suggested by Dept, USDel appreciated and PCC was encouraged by Dept approval with expression of gratification.
Unreserved collaboration of French and Turk reps was obviously due to their knowledge that USDel initiative was inspired by Dept and their feeling that we cld count on Dept guidance and support within US policy as understood by USDel from Secty’s letter and in light of Barco’s consultation with Dept. Doubt in this regard cld not but prejudice possibilities of success even in small way in what is at best exceedingly difficult and perhaps thankless task. You may imagine how disturbed I was that new French rep on PCC in his first contact with UNRWA under its new American leadership, from which so much is expected, shld have experienced such doubt because of Blandford’s apparent unawareness of background of Dept thinking re PCC role, and that Marchal came away with impression that new UNRWA dir resented PCC activity at this time.
Although in response to Deptel June 12, Unpal 270,2 I expressed doubt as to timeliness of new course of action for PCC as envisaged by Dept, I have been ready to participate in new PCC effort because I felt Dept considered this important even though results might fall far short of those desired. When I suggested in mytel June 23, Palun 409,3 that consideration shld be given to Riley’s views, I had in mind importance of understanding collaboration between all UN bodies concerned with Pal problem. I have always felt that any uncertainty in Dept as to the considered views of Americans in key positions such as that of TSO chief of staff or dir of UNRWA or US rep on PCC or any lack of understanding on our part as to US policy might seriously prejudice UN activities and US standing in this area. Barco’s consultation with Dept and Secty’s letter to me have proven invaluable to PCC and you may be sure that with my colleagues I shall do my best to carry out Dept’s suggestions and to maintain relations with Riley and Blandford and his successor as US rep on UNRWA AdCom that will facilitate our effective collaboration.