501.BB Palestine/3–1048: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
267. For Lovett from Austin. Following is text of letter I sent by messenger to Gromyko this noon.
“I wonder if it would not be possible for you to reconsider your views against participating in informal questioning of representatives of the Jewish and Arab communities of Palestine in connection with the resolution passed by the SC last Friday? I am asking my representatives to get in touch very informally this afternoon at Lake Success with your representatives and those of Dr. Tsiang1 and Mr. Parodi2 with a view to formulating for our consideration questions which [Page 706] might usefully be directed to representatives of the Jewish and Arab communities, as well as the mandatory power and the Palestine Commission.
Our examination of the matter leads me to the inescapable conclusion that there are many questions having a bearing on the possibility of implementing the GA partition plan by peaceful means for which there are no clear answers in the present record. I think it is of the utmost importance for us to get the answers to these questions in order to carry out effectively our responsibilities to the SC under its resolution of March 5, particularly with reference to implementation of the partition plan by peaceful means.
I earnestly hope, therefore, that you will find it possible to reconsider your views and participate with us in questioning representatives of the Jewish and Arab communities of Palestine, as well as representatives of the mandatory power and the Palestine Commission.”