501.BB Palestine/4–2149: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
510. Bunche has made available to USUN rough draft of his report to SC. It briefly reviews the truce period and armistice negotiations, is couched in general and judicious terms. No specific criticism made of the parties except for sharp statement that some of the ten UK personnel killed in operation were lost under conditions which fully justifies the UN in holding the governments concerned responsible. In some instances had adequate protection been given the deaths could have been avoided.
Report draws some broad conclusions re technique of settling disputes on basis of Palestine experience. For example, concludes that an imposed truce can be applied and supervised for a period of four to five months at the most but then must be superseded by the next step toward peace. Observes that independent communication and transportation systems indispensable for success of negotiations and life of personnel.
Negotiations leading to armistice agreements described as being in each case tortuous and difficult. Demonstrate, however, that once the parties could be brought together they could, with UN assistance, be led to reasonable agreement. Asserts there is good reason to believe that peace settlement will be forthcoming in due course by virtue of efforts of PCC. He expects armistice agreements to remain in force successfully.
His conclusions point toward his suggested SC Resolution (mytel 509, April 20). Since armistice agreements provide for own machinery for supervision and call for UN assistance in this regard, unnecessary to continue impose on states concerned the onerous conditions of SC [Page 934] truce. Suggests SC might consider adopting new resolution declaring unnecessary prolong truce of July 15 Resolution, but reaffirming order to desist from further military action pursuant to Article 40, and calling on authorities to continue observe unconditional cease-fire. Such action consistent with realities of situation and would fully safeguard basic objective of SC that fighting not be resumed.
Suggests that remaining Mediator’s functions be transferred to PCC since there is no longer any useful function to be performed by the Mediator. Further activity by him would unfavorably impinge on PCC work. Concludes that in such situation as Palestine most effective instrument of Mediator or Conciliator is prompt and vigorous UN action.