98. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1
New
York, November 5,
1959—8 p.m.
Delga 349. Re: UNRWA.
- 1.
- With UNRWA item expected be taken up about November 10, pre-debate assessment situation here may be helpful.
- 2.
- Tactics pursued so far appear have paid off at least insofar as present atmosphere concerned. Arab Dels, while clearly much concerned re future UNRWA and still resentful UN (especially us) responsibility for creation of Palestine problem, in contrast to earlier years, are at least now prepared discuss issue rationally and comparatively unemotionally with us in private. Last year Arabs before our speech concentrated on telling us what not to say and after speech on what was wrong with our position. Contrasting low temperature this year is healthy development which we believe should be encouraged.
- 3.
- We have been making clear in numerous corridor discussions what our general approach to problem this GA will be, i.e., deep concern that some progress be made toward fundamental solution of problem, recognition that international assistance for refugees must continue after June 1960 regardless of what form it takes, coupled with indication that we hope states immediately concerned will advance constructive suggestions and we intend wait and hear their views.
- 4.
- With exception of Israelis (who, of course, have own interests in suggesting tactics to us), all dels contacted expressed sympathy with present approach. More importantly, there have now been several indications (see Delga 333)2 Arabs may be prepared be more forthcoming in statements in debate, even though we must recognize initial round (particularly Shukairy) will undoubtedly involve considerable letting off steam.
- 5.
- In view foregoing developments, we convinced desirable continue wait for reasonable time and give at least most Arab States chance express their views in committee before we speak. During this time we would continue maintain present line in discussions outside committee room. Of course, we cannot give final judgment yet as to optimum time for our first intervention, and we probably cannot do so until after first few speeches delivered.
- 6.
- In any event, however, as situation has developed thus far, it seems particularly important to us that no matter when first US intervention made, our statement should avoid provocation. We will [Page 216] thereby discourage unnecessary acrimony in debate and not turn debate into struggle between Arabs and us. One of considerations in development UNRWA item should of course be avoidance damage recently improved US-Arab relations.
- 7.
- We have not formed final judgment what further tactical moves may be most effective in achieving at least those limited improvements described in SYG report.
- 8.
- As reported, our preliminary conversations with UK and Canada indicate they ready to accept mere extension UNRWA. Dept may wish consider approaches either in Washington or capitals in effort assure these two key countries take no steps here which would prejudice our efforts secure maximum possible progress.
Lodge