Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Arab-Israeli Dispute; United Arab Republic; North Africa, Volume XIII

109. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel¹

Washington, December 4, 1959—9:43 p.m.

456. Re: Embtel 542.²

1. By time you see Prime Min he will have been informed results Amb. Harman’s call on Secretary Dec. 4. Following based on uncleared memo of conversation.³ Amb., calling on instruction Ben-Gurion, repeated Israeli objections to tying of PCC to para 11 res. 194 (III), saying that “turning clock back” to 1948 res would be negative step and food for Arab propaganda. He expressed opposition GOI to any language which might tend support Arabs’ “outmoded concept” of para. 11. Expressed hope US would consider even at this late date change in language PCC para.

2. Secretary made following points. USG, including Congress, deeply concerned that every effort be made search for some glimmer of hope for solution Arab refugee problem. Text para re PCC (text resolution, as accepted ad referendum by Arab host countries, being sent separately) very limited in its charge to Commission. Composition PCC (France, Turkey, US), which is an already existing instrumentality, favorable to Israel. Obviously no significant progress will be made without good will both sides. Para, on PCC represents very modest yet tangible demonstration that further efforts will be made towards solution refugee issue. We have encountered great difficulties gaining Arab acceptance most essential UNRWA reforms, and res. includes several concessions the Arab States have made. Entire res. would probably fall apart were changes to be made in PCC para., about which GOI, in our opinion, has unreasonable fears. Majority UNGA and US adhere principle para. 11, res. 194, but GOI should be reassured we convinced there is no basis, in present reference thereto, for fear that result may be detrimental Israeli interests.

3. Amb. Harman expressed hope US at least would “set record straight” in its statement in support of res., to counter inevitable Arab attempts capitalize in propaganda on “reaffirmation their outmoded interpretation para 11.”

4. You encouraged take same line with Ben-Gurion. You may wish to mention our disappointment that parties directly concerned did not, in response our appeal for constructive ideas, offer much hope in debate. Limited reactivation PCC most modest forward step possible, in absence other concrete ideas, since US could not support mere extension UNRWA. You should also point out to Premier that USGADel has consulted frequently and fully with Israeli GADdel. We have shown sympathetic understanding of GOI objection to PCC reference, but in view all pertinent factors could not in last analysis accede to GOI views. As friends of Israel we sincerely hope GOI will not take any steps which might tend preclude making some real progress on refugee problem, perhaps through PCC.⁴

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 884.411/12–359. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Palmer, cleared with Jones and Ludlow, and approved and signed for Herter by Wilcox. Repeated to USUN.
2. Telegram 542, December 3, asked for the latest position on UNRWA in view of a meeting with Ben Gurion on December 6. (Ibid.)
3. Not printed. (Ibid., 320.511/12–459) A briefing paper for the conversation is ibid., IO Files: Lot 65 D 30.
4. Ambassador Reid reported on December 6 that he had reviewed the U.S. position with Ben Gurion that day. The Prime Minister, while not happy, had not seemed disturbed about the resolution and had stated that he would “wait and see.” (Ibid., Central Files, 884.411/12–659)