320.2 AA/8–2751: Telegram
The Chargé in Lebanon (Bruins) to the Department of State 1
190. Rapun 207. 1. Pursuant Unrap 181 AdCom director met Palmer Beirut 24 and 25. Two brief meetings taken up largely with background of Paris meeting and leading part of US in promoting. Arrangements made have director represented during drafting agenda Paris last week August.
2. Director and Adcota still have large reservations re effect Paris meeting will have PRA program. As Blandford put it, there have been two philosophies approach to solution Pal problem. One is direct method of trying get parties together negotiate overall agreements. Three-year effort this direction has not conspicuously succeeded. Other is indirect method of attacking individual problems arising from conflict in attempt successively remove obstacles to peace. Unfortunately both methods cannot be used simultaneously without jeopardizing each other.
3. It had been our understanding US Govt now preferred indirect approach. Statements of Pres, Secy and McGhee to Congress on PRA appropriation give firm impression US belief is that solution of refugee problem will be large step toward restoration peace and stability Near East. This view has evidently won support in House Representatives. Important thing is that because of or despite US public statements Arab politicians, even reactionary Mufti, have through own rationale decided cooperate PRA solution and enter negotiations 3-year program. Dept’s encouragement MAC solutions specific problems also case in point.
4. First Arab reactions to PCC invitation have not been reassuring to PRA. Blandford has detected disposition on part Syria to delay awaiting Paris outcome. Lebanon and Egypt have expressed concern Paris meeting might postpone reintegration negotiations for indefinite period.
5. Certain suggestions in Secy’s letter to Palmer of July 27 (copy of which indirectly reached USDel only on Aug 24) also cause concern. Putting entire subject of repatriation on agenda can only revive hopes on part Arab states and refugees for large-scale return to Israel where there have been strong indications Arab tacit acceptance impossibility this solution. Specifically proposal repatriate refugees who are “economically useful” to Israel strikes us as impracticable and possibly undemocratic (recalls Nazi categories of “economically useful” Jews whose extermination was postponed). Suggestion that Israel would be able select best refugees for repatriation leaving dregs to [Page 843] Arab states can only arouse bitterest Arab resentment towards UN and US. Compensation discussions also of vital importance to PRA.
6. If Arabs accept Paris invitation will mean they see some propaganda or other advantage. In view present tense situation Near East following political assassinations Arabs probably will be able do little at Paris except repeat outworn shibboleths.
7. Therefore respectfully request Dept explore all possibilities guiding Paris discussions in such manner as to create minimum impingement PRA program.
8. Blandford will receive paraphrase this telegram and his comments will be transmitted to Dept.
- Repeated for information to Paris for Palmer as 8.↩