Office of the Historian

501.BB Palestine/11–1348: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris

secret   us urgent
niact
Washington, November 14, 1948—11 p. m.

Gadel 476. Urtels Delgas 739 and 7401 were sent last night to President for instructions which have not yet been received. Meanwhile [Page 1584] I have talked with Clifford by telephone and we agree that:

1.
Language in second pgh2 Delga 740 with reference to SC resolution of November 4 is equivocal.
2.
As a matter of practice within realm of possibility, sanctions applied by SC in instant case are out of question.
3.
We can not place ourselves in position of “being against peace”.

Accordingly, on constructive side, we feel that utmost emphasis should be placed on getting both parties to war in Palestine to negotiate armistice and eventual peace. If you make it clear that draft resolution contained in Delga 7463 is but a step to this paramount end, I feel that, under authorization in Gadel 420 November 74 you are free to vote for that draft resolution. (This telegram is commentary on Gadel 4755 which precedes.)

Attitude toward Soviet amendments to Bundle’s draft resolution (Delga 6346) has not yet been cleared with President and if these amendments come to vote you should abstain.

Lovett
  1. Both dated November 13; neither printed, but see footnotes 1 and 2, supra.↩
  2. This paragraph read: “Decides that, in order to eliminate this threat to the peace and to facilitate the transition from the present truce, without prejudice to its application under the resolution of 4 November, to permanent peace in Palestine, an armistice shall he immediately established in all sectors of Palestine”. (501.BB Palestine/11–1348)↩
  3. Supra.↩
  4. Not printed; but see footnote 1 to telegram Delga 634, p. 1556.↩
  5. Dated November 14, not printed, but see footnote 2, p. 1583.↩
  6. Dated November 6, p. 1555.↩