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

320.2 AA/9–1151: Telegram

The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State ¹

confidential

Tel Aviv, September 11, 1951—6 p. m.

229. Re Rapun 214 Beirut tel 229 September 7² to Dept saying this Emb might be able clarify FonMins statement about condensation [compensation?]. Sharett statement to me still far from clear. In introducing subject I referred to conversation with Harold Hoskins reported Embtel 865 June 12³ re desirability consider compensation question without insisting on making it part of gen settlement. Sharett confirmed he still has open mind on subject but says now much will depend upon Arab attitude. If they are ready to settle some problems and improve relations, even though not willing make gen settlement, Israel will be responsive and will not hold rigidly to original position, that is, gen settlement or nothing. As to war damage claims he said question wld inevitably have to be discussed in negots with Arabs sometime, but Israel wld be willing discuss subject of compensation with UN reps without necessarily relating it to claims for war damages. Understand it is not Israel intention forego such claims entirely.

Davis

1. Repeated for information to Beirut (for Mr. Blandford), Amman, Baghdad, Cairo, Jidda, Damascus, Jerusalem, London, and Paris.
2. Ante, p. 852.
3. Ante, p. 710.