357 AC/9–751: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State 1
222. Re Embtels 60, July 202 and 111, August 3.3 FonMin told me last night he felt encouraged over progress talks between Gen Riley and reps Israel Govt. He had had prelim conversation with Gen Riley which had been followed by long session yesterday morning between Gen Riley, Col Taxis and M. Vigier for TSO and Mr. Eytan, DirGen FonOff, Gen Yadin, Brig Makleff, Col Eamati, Mr. Dafne and Mr. Shiloah representing Israel Govt. Sharett remarked with obvious satis that he understood virtual agreement had been reached on all major points.
Later Eytan expressed similar views saying he believed satis basis had been worked out for settlement of outstanding questions with respect Huleh situation. He stated that most important question had of course been that relating to policing of demil zone, and that armistice agreement empowered MAC chairman to authorize employment of limited numbers locally recruited civilian police for internal security purposes. Since chairman was only to authorize employment it was clear that some other auth shld actually select and employ necessary local police. Since numbers were to be limited it was conceded that chairman’s power to auth shld extend to determining numbers to be employed. He stated further that policing of Jewish and Arab villages wld extend to immed surroundings and that implementation of plan wld contemplate coop between police of various local districts in demil zone.
As to return of Arabs, Eytan said it had been agreed that those expelled from northern zone shld be allowed to return but other arrangements wld be made with respect those formerly in southern zone since latter had no lands to farm in that district He stated that right [Page 854] of TSO officials and observers to have free access to all parts of demil zone was unquestioned. It was understood also that return of Arabs to Khoury farm wld be permitted.
Emb comment: Fact that Israel officials were silent re Gen Riley’s interim report and degree to which they now show disposition to meet points raised indicate that they took serious view of report and wish to improve their position vis-à-vis TSO. On other hand concessions they have made do not include any relinquishment of actual control of demil zone, and problem of policing may still give rise to difficulties.
Expressed great interest in progress of negots and reiterated view expressed to FonMin as reported Embtel 60, July 20 that in view capital being made of Israel’s alleged noncompliance it is important that this country place itself in correct and unassailable position this respect. Added that prompt and full compliance with May 18 res might well have important bearing with effectiveness Suez res.