320.2 AA/10–2951: Telegram
The Minister in Lebanon (Minor) to the Department of State
439. Rapun 245. Re Unrap 213.1 Summary Blandford views.
1. Agrees Agent-Gen should replace PCC which too unwieldy for negots. Strong, not too orthodox or legalistic Agent-Gen might get results. We unclear whether Dept intends combine TSO and Agent-Gen only in case Riley appointed, or intends this regardless who appointed. Blandford unenthusiastic, Riley doubting sufficiency his political acumen. Would prefer new face. Feels combination and Agent-Gen requires careful study since limitation TSO’s powers by armistice agreements may present obstacles. Title “Agent-Gen” might arouse resentment as implying sovereignty. Something like “conciliator” preferable.
2. Would welcome formal transfer to PRA from PCC of broad mandate for economic development as already done by implication. Agent-Gen should be responsible old polit problems arising from hostilities. PRA shld be responsible solely for new economic approach to restore peace stability. Compensation remains old political problem. PRA shld not have to fight for compensation. By so doing wld enlarge PRA reintegration responsibilities because guess is that three-quarters compensation will go to large property-owners not presently PRA’s clients. Compensation due present clients insignificant, which reintegrated refugees eld keep as additional bonus, or cld be collected along with rent for reintegration facility. Once Agent-Gen attains polit agreements on compensation and repatriation, is willing PRA attempt implement them. Agrees PRA director and Agent-Gen consult together to this end.
3. Feels terminal date program and total budget inseparable as subj of discussion. Wld substitute “approx 3 years” for “June 30, 1954”. While impossible forecast exact cost, feels reintegration will cost $200 million and relief $50. Has no firm opinion on question of tactics, i.e., whether resolution shld specify $150 million with Arabs bargaining us upward, or whether shld bowl them over with large offer of $200 million.
4. Agrees generally with desirability early turnover relief admin. Somewhat concerned that once Arab states get control ration rolls they will find more reintegration clients.
5. Pleased that by implication negots now taken from AdCom and given solely to director. Sees two alternatives for future AdCom: (1) body to coordinate members own bilateral programs with PRA [Page 923] multilateral, or (2) board of visitors meeting quarterly or semiannually with highly formalized procedure.
Doubts propriety AdCom “adopting” rather than “advising” on expenditure plans and prefers six months rather than quarterly plans as giving more financial leeway for director. Agrees on joint director-AdCom recommendations to UNGA. Feels this good opportunity clarify AdCom as UN body or group or reps of govts.
6. Hopes UNGA will direct UN specialized agencies negotiate agreements with PRA as to respective roles in PRA program.
7. Feels PRA and Agent-Gen shld be treated in separate UNGA resolutions, thus strengthening idea of separation old polit problems from new economic approach. End Summary.
Comment: By Macatee. Basis my brief experience AdCom agree generally Blandford’s views and feel they wld be endorsed by other AdCom members. Somewhat surprised Blandford’s attitude re Riley, of whom I have highest first impression. Blandford’s private opinion does not affect his excellent personal relations Riley.
- Identified also as telegram 388 to Beirut, October 26 (not printed); it requested a summary of the views of Blandford and Macatee on the refugee situation. (320.2 AA/10–2451)↩