Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

501.BB Palestine/6–2549: Telegram

The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

Jerusalem, June 25, 1949—noon.

444. Riley states Israel interpreting Bunche’s latest proposal re Syrian armistice to mean Israeli administration control of demilitarized area on border. All military forces to be excluded but since mixed administration not practical and area located on Israel side of border Israel authorities together with local Arab police will be responsible for administration.¹

Riley feels above will be completely inacceptable to Zaim who accepted Bunche proposal on understanding demilitarized area would be completely separate from both Israel and Syria with ultimate responsibility for zone resting with UN. Riley asserts this was Bundle’s intention.

In view above Israeli stand, confirmed by conversation last night with Sharett, Riley sees little chance successful conclusion armistice. Believes question must be referred to SC. Pointed out Israel rejected plan for exchange territory and now in effect rejecting proposal for demilitarized neutral zone. Only other possible suggestion before reference to SC is accord to effect that since both sides not able agree on changes present truce lines should become armistice lines pending final peace treaty. He sees no chance Israel accepting this since Israel working on premise armistice lines will in practice be final peace lines.

Sent Department, repeated Geneva 41 for USDel PCC, Damascus 45.

Burdett

1. New York, the previous day, had advised that “Regarding Israeli efforts to secure from Bunche an interpretation that Israelis should have full civil authority and sovereignty over areas of demilitarized zone assigned to them, Bunche is taking stiff line that this type of legalistic argument and delay is unwarranted. He is sending Vigier a reaffirmation that his compromise proposal should be accepted by both parties as it stands. It provides for a gradual restoration of civilian life in the demilitarized zone under the general supervision of the chairman of MAC. Policing to be done by locally recruited personnel who shall be of the nationality of the settlements concerned. All questions of sovereignty or of the law which should prevail in the areas should be left for the peace settlement. In respect to law needed for police action, Israeli law should apply to their settlements and Arab law in the Arab villages.” (telegram 771, 501.BB Palestine/6–2449)