Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVII, Near East, 1961–1962

40. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations⁰

Washington, May 4, 1961, 8:14 p.m.

2183. 1. In accordance decision reached Ambassador Plimpton’s consultations in Dept April 27,¹ plan to undertake serious approach to Palestine refugee problem by UN Conciliation Commission for Palestine (PCC) has been submitted to and approved by top level USG.

2. Dept regards progress toward solution refugee problem an important current aim of USG policy because: (a) intolerable that almost one million humans indefinitely lead essentially hopeless and unproductive lives; (b) continuation of impasse is increasingly detrimental to US interests in NE area, and dangerous to area peace; (c) continuation our considerable financial support for refugees can by no means be guaranteed in absence meaningful forward movement, and (d) without real progress (or at very least, clear evidence US has used its influence to secure progress on just and peaceful basis) our ability handle refugee item at UNGA in way not detrimental to US interests will inevitably lessen.

3. First basic hurdle to be cleared is unwillingness both sides realistically endeavor implement Para 11, Res 194 (III) which resolved that refugees be permitted to choose between repatriation or resettlement with compensation for property left behind. Operative Para 1 of Res 1604 (XV), approved by GA April 21 (Depcirtel 1657),² provides opportune point of departure for new initiative towards affording refugees opportunity make this option. Res 1604 again requested PCC make efforts secure implementation Para 11, Res 194, and to report thereon prior October 15, 1961.

4. USUN requested notify SYG soonest of intention USG to assist in every appropriate way the prompt undertaking of a meaningful PCC initiative. You may indicate to SYG our realization that PCC of itself has deficiencies as an effective instrument; that outcome of utilization PCC mechanism will depend primarily on parties directly involved in Arab-Israel controversy but also to large extent on what backing SYG, USG and other PCC member govts give to Commission’s efforts. SYG may be assured on most private basis we intend do our part to render these efforts fruitful. We solicit SYG’s views on best, rapidly available person of international standing to be selected by PCC as its “Special Representative” (SR). In particular, what would SYG’s reaction be to Spinelli (UN res rep in Geneva) or Lindt (Swiss Amb to US formerly HICOM refugees). SR’s first task would be, after adequate briefings, to perform reconnaissance mission to pertinent NE capitals in order impartially to ascertain current attitudes governments concerned towards implementation para 11.

5. After consulting SYG, USUN requested arrange earliest possible meeting PCC to consider nominating SR. If not possible reach informal agreement on SR by May 8, PCC should nonetheless be convened for exploratory discussions on May 9. It may be desirable to issue brief press statement after PCC meeting indicating PCC seeking earnestly undertake approach to refugee problem pursuant to UNGA mandates.³

For Paris and Ankara: At suitably effective high level, you requested alert FonOff to USG’s conclusion that PCC initiative starting with reconnaissance mission should commence without delay. You should seek to arrange that instructions supporting this initiative be cabled respective UN Dels soonest.

For London: Emb requested inform FonOff confidentially USG intentions, ask for UK comments, and express hope UK will provide such subsequent assistance as may be required.

Other addressees should not disclose US plans at this stage.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 325.84/5–461. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Palmer and Crawford, cleared by Meyer and Knox, and approved by Cleveland who initialed for Rusk. Also sent to Ankara, London, and Paris and repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, and Jerusalem.
1. See footnote 2, Document 38.
2. Dated April 22. (Department of State, Central Files, 325.84/4–2261) Operative paragraph 1 called on the U.N. Conciliation Commission for Palestine to make efforts to secure the implementation of paragraph 11 of General Assembly Resolution 194 (III) and report on it no later than October 15, 1961.
3. On May 9, USUN reported that the Palestine Conciliation Commission had decided to appoint a special representative to visit the Near East and determine the attitudes of the governments concerned toward the refugee problem. The Commission agreed to decide through informal consultation on a specific individual for the position and the terms of reference to be followed and then approach U.N. Secretary-General Hammarskjold to recruit the individual in the normal administrative manner. It also agreed not to approach the Arab and Israeli Governments prior to selection and recruitment of the individual. (Telegram 3069 from USUN, May 9; ibid., 325.84/5–961)