501.BB Palestine/9–948: Telegram
The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
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98. This message sent through Haifa; Department reply directly Tel Aviv.
On September 8 I had one hour and half meeting with Ben-Gurion and Shertok (reDeptel 72, September 1 and 80, September 81) Knox and Epstein present.
Prime Minister began by stating that most important feature of US suggestions was evidence positive interest in offering assist facilitate peace settlement; however, he stated he was confused by our procedure of agreeing to “commend” a program to UN Mediator and was doubtful that such step would result fruitful negotiations; he said he would preferably welcome US good offices to “mediate” directly with Arabs, or to facilitate Israel direct negotiations with Arabs.
Prime Minister, obviously showing signs near exhaustion, then commented on truce in serious and emphatic tone as follows:
- 1.
- Indefinite truce is an indirect sanction of Arabs keep their invading armies in Palestine indefinitely.
- 2.
- UN has taken no action punish serious Arab truce violations such as destruction Latrun pumping station which, except for foresight Jews in constructing independent pipe lines would have condemned 110,000 Jews in Jerusalem to death by thirst.
- 3.
- While UN observers “swarm” over Israel PGI has no evidence that Arab armies are being restrained in Arab states. On contrary PGI intelligence; indicates Arab armies are massing and arms ammunition are being obtained; Prime Minister also stated parenthetically that he understands large ship with arms for Arabs now on way from Italy to Beirut.
- 4.
- Indefinite truce means foreign supervision Israel for indefinite period and this deeply resented by Israel; as now interpreted truce means supervision on immigration, not only by UN but now also by USA action restraining emigrants in Germany which actions Prime Minister stated were tantamount imposition new White Paper; such restrictions immigration is “intolerable” and that, if necessary Jews will fight for right of Jews return Israel which is fundamental reason for and principle on which state was founded.
- 5.
- Prime Minister concluded comment on truce by saying indefinite truce is not the way to peace.
As regards specific suggestions Prime Minister’s reactions were as follows:
- 1.
- Exchange of territory: he asked what does word “large” mean in connection Negev, stating that word when used by US is terrifying to Jews in consideration diminutive size Israel. Also he asked what is reason back of suggestion giving desert land to Transjordan which already has enormous uninhabited areas desert land; does this suggestion affect development of Dead Sea industries in which Israel has so valuable share? Also he asked what is meant by “fertile” portion of “occupied” west Galilee, stating that all of Galilee can be made fertile by Jewish effort. What change in situation has occurred since, November 29, that US now wishes enlarge Arab area at expense Israel? Prime Minister’s general reaction to suggested territorial exchange was thus definitely negative, but also inquisitive.
- 2.
- Jerusalem: Prime Minister observed that at least US suggestions admitted of some flexibility. Jerusalem, he stated, meant more to Jews than Paris to French or London to British. He asked, however, did our suggestion envisage Jewish corridor to Jerusalem which he declared was absolutely vital? He observed reflectively that the people of Israel had right to all of western Palestine but that personally in order get agreement with Arabs on Jerusalem he would recommend sacrifice of much that was dear to Israel for the sake of real peace with Arabs. Shertok interrupted to say that his personal opinion was that Old City might be internationalized and a portion of New City be given to Arabs under some mutually acceptable partition agreement, Prime Minister and Shertok feel this suggestion can be further examined.
- 3.
- Arab refugees: Prime Minister stated PGI willing consider constructive suggestions alleviate refugee problem, but he offered no plan. He stated he saw no possibility mass return refugees until peace settlement effected and that comprehensive solution must wait on peace. Shertok observed that problem was twofold, i.e. (a) interim international relief for refugees (he mentioned Egypt should certainly give some aid) and (c) permanent solution of resettlement majority refugees in Arab areas in which resettlement work Jews willing to assist. Shertok further stated that Israel willing consider admission now very small number individual family hardship cases but was vague on details. Prime Minister reemphasized that solution depended on firm peace so that refugees could return as friends and not enemies.
Prime Minister observed in conclusion that while US tentative suggestions were much appreciated what PGI really wanted was direct [Page 1386] negotiations with Arabs which he considered possible only through US good offices. He stated he wanted peace and a firm alliance with Arab states.
I made no comment on observations of Prime Minister and Shertok other than say I would transmit them to my Government.
- Latter not printed.↩