501.BB Palestine/4–949: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
278. Palun 119. Commission decided this morning to open further talks at Lausanne on April 26 providing adequate communication facilities available. Official decision will be taken April 12. USDel favored Rhodes but received no support from Jews, Arabs or colleagues in that viewpoint. Ethridge argued against commission leaving this part of the world and insisted upon inserting in summary record statement that it was mistake. Even those Arabs who had at first supported Rhodes withdrew support when Syrian coup came about. Arab press and radio are referring to Rhodes as island of shame. Jews flatly said they did not want to go there.