268. Telegram From the Embassy in Lebanon to the Department of State0
1077. PCC Special Representative Joseph Johnson and his able assistant Sherry Moe visited Beirut few hours May 8 for second talk with Takla and Ammoun re Arab refugees.1 Johnson reports talk was much more “free flowing” than earlier talks here. Johnson got into more detail than previously re his thoughts of practical approach. Takla said there are “stirrings” in Arab world re Palestine question which must be taken [Page 664] into account. He like leaders elsewhere indicated one of main problems is intra-Arab feuding. He said Lebanon could not take any lead but would go along with anything acceptable to other Arab countries. Johnson will supply more detailed report later.
Following lunch with me, Johnson returned to Jerusalem for day of rest prior to his next encounter with Israelis.
In general Johnson described his talks throughout Arab world as “gloomy” but no doors had been closed. In addition to inter-Arab feuding, his efforts complicated by extremist moves by Shuqairi and others for some sort of Palestine organization. Consoling feature was that while Palestine-minded Arabs are “stirring” there complete lack of unanimity among extremists re what should be done.
Johnson expects rough going in Israel. He said he would after European interlude return to US and hoped have thorough talks with Department officials with view to mobilizing USG from top-level down for whatever course he would carefully lay out.
For my part, I expressed to Johnson following personal observations: a) While I had had doubts re wisdom his making trip, it clear that this round has been extremely useful in exposing to parties concerned current trend of his thinking; B) No Arab leader can be expected to say yes to anything that any rival might publicly denounce as softness toward Israel; C) Johnson’s excellent rapport with Arab leaders obviously continues and is a great asset; D) No doors were closed; E) Implication is that Arab leaders will not be surprised and might even welcome Johnson’s tabling his proposals but without their having to register public approval; F) Only few years ago visit to Arab capitals by any representative in search of refugee solution would have produced great uproar, street demonstrations, et cetera, but Johnson quite reasonably received and in Arab world where matters must be gauged in degrees of negative this is real progress; G) While any initiative with respect to Palestine has gloomy prospect, approach re refugees which Johnson has in mind is clearly most practical one; H) Time seems fast approaching when (if metaphors may be mixed) Johnson might wish take bit by teeth, work out best possible detailed formula, take plunge with U Thant’s backing and let chips fall where they may; I) At worst what would probably ensue is resistance on part of both sides with his being able report to UN failure of his mission and plague on both their houses thus putting both sides in bad light in future UN debates; J) Off-chance exists that in effort to avert onus for failure both sides will be willing to “back into” acquiescence to his formula with at least some movement on this problem as result.
Johnson agreed his visit useful particularly along lines compelling Arabs to do some realistic thinking.