Editorial Note
Mr. McClintock, on April 20, drafted a telegram to Mr. Ethridge for the signature of Secretary Acheson. After reference to Palun 129 and 130 of April 19 (see page 923) and discussing the relief of Mr. Ethridge, the draft telegram read as follows: “This Govt is not disposed to change policy because of Israeli intransigeance as most recently manifested by Ben Gurion as reported Palun 133, April 20. We support resolution of Dec. 11 and your able effort to present logic of that resolution to Israeli and Arab Govts still has our full backing. If Israeli application for admission UN calls forth major inquiry in present GA and Israelis, as you predict, decide to stall at Lausanne, we would then be disposed to utilize your desire for relief to derive maximum diplomatic advantage. Your resignation from PCC could therefore have political significance and would serve to show Israeli Govt that US Govt is not pleased with its tactics.
“However, we are disposed to resort to fullest diplomatic pressure on Israel at present time and are prepared, if Israeli Govt pays any heed to our suggestions, to tell them that if they will go ahead on a [Page 928] reasonable peace settlement, including satisfactory assurances re Jerusalem and refugees, we will do our utmost to insure that GA handle membership question with maximum of swiftness and minimum of debate. In such case, as you predict in Palun 130, talks at Lausanne might go along quickly. We should in that event wish very much that you continue as our Representative with assurance that once Lausanne conversations reached successful conclusion you would at once be relieved of your responsibilities on PCC.
“Therefore, as I see it, we should within a few weeks be able to relieve you of the PCC assignment either by reason of Israeli intransigeance and consequent stalemate, or by Israeli willingness to compromise and therefore a speedy conclusion to your efforts.” (501.BB Palestine/4–2049)
The editors have been unable to find any evidence that the draft telegram was actually sent.