795.00/3–1951: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative at the United Nations (Gross) to the Secretary of State
1296. Re Korea. Rafael (Israel)1 inquired as to our present estimate of peaceful settlement in Korea, our position re troop movements across 38th parallel and whether we were taking any diplomatic initiatives with the Soviets or Chinese Communists. Saying his government is awaiting report from the Israel delegate on these matters, he remarked that recent statements by MacArthur and Ridgway were creating speculation that UC had virtually given up any thought of large scale military operations in North Korea. He asked whether we still adhered to the conditions for a cease-fire published by the ceasefire group.
I suggested Eban take these matters up with Department, adding however that we had in no sense withdrawn or modified the conditions for a cease-fire previously presented by us to cease-fire group. As to the other questions, I commented merely that we were loyally supporting the GOC and that to avoid confusion we felt that discussion of more general questions he raised should more properly take place in Washington. He replied that Eban intended to call upon Rusk shortly.
Rafael reported that at Israel reception 14 March, Malik twice took the initiative in raising Korean question with Eban. Malik apparently asked Eban for his views as to possibility of settlement, and appeared to be cordial and interested in the ensuing conversation. No specific suggestions were made by either participant. At one point Entezam entered the discussion and, according to Rafael, “courageously” urged upon Malik the importance of the Soviet Government using its influence with the CPG to persuade the latter to take steps toward peace in Korea.
[Page 248]Rafael said he and his colleagues were struck by the fact that Malik referred repeatedly to the current Paris meeting of the Deputies. Rafael thought Malik showed “great awareness” of the connection between the Korean problem and the Paris conference. This is a point Department may wish to explore further with Eban.
- Gideon Rafael, Israeli Alternate Representative at the United Nations.↩