501.BB Palestine/9–848: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
restricted
Jerusalem, September
8, 1948—3 p. m.
1261. In speech over Transjordan controlled Ramallah radio on 5th Azmi Nashashibi, director station and brigadier in Arab Legion, indicated Arabs might consider direct talks with Jews under following “conditions”: Jews return to areas held before November 29, return of all Arab refugees, payment by Jews for damages. Jews not attempt to dictate to Arabs. Although conditions mentioned obviously inacceptable, speech significant as further indication possible Arab willingness negotiate directly with Jews.
Macdonald