Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

684A.86231/5–1552: Circular telegram

No. 434
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Offices¹

confidential
priority

Washington, May 15, 1952—6:08 p.m.

949. Eban advises Israeli Govt prepared release blocked accts Arab refugees and ready negot mechanics release with UN, pursuant request made by Amb Palmer on behalf PCC May 5. He stated amt involved equivalent approx $14 million and Israel Govt prepared pay into some UN acct $2.8 million with balance as needed. Amb said his govt hopes US will use its good offices obtain release block Jewish bank accts in Iraq but Israel release not conditioned on such action.

If approached re above, statement shld be made this is voluntary Israel Govt action, fol recent conversations between PCC and Israel Govt.

Acheson

1. Sent to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Paris, Ankara, Baghdad, Cairo, Jidda, New York, London, and Tripoli.