357.AC/10–2451: Telegram
The United States Representative on the Palestine Conciliation Commission (Palmer) to the Secretary of State 1
priority
2391. Palun 459. On 22nd, I communicated to Fischer, Israel rep, Dept’s views as contained Unpal 294.2 I told Fischer in addition that PCC had decided it wld not serve any purpose to reopen at this time question of non-aggression declarations and that it intended make further explanations of its comprehensive proposals to Arab dels at meeting scheduled for morning of 24th. Comm wished on same day make similar explanations to Israel del.
Fischer stated that as result of position taken by Arab States in their non-aggression declaration, it was impossible for Israel del to enter into discussion involving negotiation with Arab dels. There remained a possibility, however, that Israel del might go on with discussions with Comm itself. Before Arab declarations, the procedure that had been followed involved negotiations with Arab dels, although this was, of course, through the Comm in accordance with the GA Res of Dec 14. This was clearly no longer possible. Inasmuch as Sharett arrived from New York that afternoon, Fischer thought he would be [Page 919] able tell us following day whether meeting on Wed afternoon cld be held and whether in course this meeting Israel del wld be in position hear Comm’s further explanations with understanding they were now dealing with PCC only.
On 23rd, PCC addressed letter to Israel del stating Comm wld postpone meeting previously fixed for 23rd to 24th at 4 p. m. at which time Comm wld be prepared hear observations del wished present. At same time PCC wished communicate same detailed explanations of its proposals as wld be communicated to Arab dels on morning of 24th. Late 23rd, Israel rep telephoned PCC to say del wld not receive instructions before afternoon of 25th or morning of 26th and that meeting with Comm cld not be held until afternoon 26th.
Comm has in these circumstances been left with no alternative but to proceed with further explanation its proposals with Arab dels as scheduled and this morning made statement text of which is quoted in next fol tel. After hearing this statement Arab dels made no comments other than usual remarks of wishing continue collaborate with Comm, referring particularly to anniversary of founding of UN as proper occasion reaffirmation these intentions. PCC had not intended provide dels with text of statement until after making same statement to Israel del at Fri meeting, but upon receiving urgent requests for text from each Arab del, Comm decided make statement available to them later today with understanding it wld not be released by dels or PCC until after communication to del of Israel on Fri.
It remains uncertain whether Israel del will attend next meeting prepared hear PCC’s explanations its proposals. In event they shld again postpone meeting or in other way avoid hearing statement, US del believes PCC shld transmit statement by letter.