501.BB Palestine/1–1949: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State 1
priority
72. SYG Lie through Cordier is making available USUN all important reports of Rhodes conversations submitted by Bunche in interests [Page 687] of keeping US Government and especially US representative on Conciliation Commission fully informed prior to convening of Commission. Reports in daily classified summaries since January 14 have covered highlights of negotiations to date. Text of Israeli-Lebanon agreement transmitted mytel 70, January 19, and text of declaration approved at Rhodes January 14 transmitted mytel 71, January 19.
In addition to information previously reported on Faluja with drawal, Bunche has reported that terms of agreement provide that heavy equipment to be evacuated to Egypt under UN supervision and control and held in UN custody until Chief-of-Staff satisfied anticipated armistice effective. UN staff plans for withdrawal approved by both parties with minor modifications. Bunche on January 17 noted that Israelis very conciliatory in discussing Faluja agreement.
In answer to SYG’s request for reports on downed RAF planes in Negev and Aqaba landings (mytel 44, January 142), Bunche has replied that in view of prospects for significant results from Rhodes talks he desired to avoid inciting SC debates leading to recriminatory exchanges between Egyptians and Israelis which might have unfavorable repercussions in Rhodes. Bunche reported that until full information available and carefully appraised, he did not feel able to present to SC a charge of breach of truce in Aqaba landings. He reported that as of January 15 his information was incomplete and also noted that SC President had not requested reports on either downed RAF planes or Aqaba landings. While personally deploring incidents, Bunche reported he would make full reports to SC only when full information available and SC decides to take up question.