501.BB Palestine/12–248: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Acting Secretary of State
5079. 1. Believe you will agree that in light Department’s 4485, December 1; repeated Paris for GADel as 640, no useful purpose would be served at this time by my pursuing with UK question territorial objectives (my 4996, November 24 and Delga 971, November 27 to Department1). Because of further strain possibly imposed thereby on US–UK relations I am most reluctant to mention this question unless instructed by Department to do so. Moreover, I feel that at this stage of UNGA proceedings to work out such a side understanding with UK might be made subject of criticism on grounds of moral impropriety.
2. If and when Department undertakes to draft such instructions I hope it will be borne in mind that any chance of success with UK will depend upon convincing UK that there is a southern frontier somewhere in Negev beyond which US will not support Israeli claims.
3. After all excuse for US and UK reaching an understanding re territorial objectives would disappear if parties can negotiate an agreed boundary either directly or through the Conciliation Commission. I sincerely trust that our hopes in this connection will be realized, [Page 1643] but I foresee the possibility that we may have to face the problems of an intervening stage prior to a final settlement.
4. Do you agree with my analysis above?2
Sent Paris 960 GADel for Dulles; repeated Department 5079.