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

54. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, December 4, 1958¹

Washington, December 4, 1958

SUBJECT

• UNRWA

PARTICIPANTS

• Mr. Abba Eban, Ambassador of Israel
• Mr. Shmuel Yaari, Second Secretary, Embassy of Israel
• IO—Mr. F. O. Wilcox
• UNP—Mr. D. L. Gamon

Ambassador Eban said that there had occurred the following two new developments in this year’s discussion of UNRWA in the General Assembly: The United States had come out clearly for a study on the future handling of the refugee problem in view of the approaching end of UNRWA’s mandate, and, on the basis that such a new and constructive approach was called for, Israel had removed the compensation issue from the political context.

Israel strongly supported the United States’ position and felt that, despite resistance to it that had been manifest, the United States should maintain its stand. When the Ambassador had talked to the Secretary General on December 3, the latter seemed to disagree with the United States’ approach and to feel that there was no alternative to the continuation of UNRWA after 1960 under its present terms of reference. It would be very unfortunate, the Ambassador said, if the United States were to modify its attitude for the sake of parliamentary tranquility. He urged that the United States table its resolution even though it might not fully suit everybody and suggested that the United States clearly reiterate its position in Committee.

Mr. Wilcox said the United States’ position was flexible insofar as semantics were concerned. The important thing was to have a study. Just how that might be achieved, or by whom, was of secondary importance. It was not the intention of the United States to abandon its efforts for a study, he made clear.

Mr. Wilcox added as a personal suggestion, that at some stage, the log jam might be broken if Israel would be willing to make a statement for repatriation. In response, Ambassador Eban questioned whether the Arabs wanted the log jam broken.²

F.O.W.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320.511/12–458. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Gamon. See also supra.
2. On December 4, Eban met with Dillon to discuss financial assistance. A memorandum of their conversation, covering DLF aid, a double taxation treaty, and a program for the development of Jordan River waters, is in Department of State, Central Files, 784A.5–MSP/12–458.