501.MA Palestine/6–2549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
priority
2198. USG convinced that only means breaking Israeli-Arab impasse re refugees in order meet common US–UK objectives that question and carry forward contemplated procedure for solution refugee problem is through exploitation Gaza strip proposal. During period PCC recess, we propose exercise strongest diplomatic pressure effort create more cooperative attitude both sides.
We have informed Israeli Government that we regard its proposal assume responsibility refugees and residents Gaza strip in return for cession thereof as significant admission its ability accept substantial number refugees, and that we believe this proposal shld serve as basis for discussion between states concerned.
You will recall that proposal flatly rejected by Arabs when transmitted them by PCC. On June 10 UnSecy during conversation with Egyptian Amb1 asked latter his Govt’s position on Israeli proposal. Amb replied that Egyptian Govt regards offer as “cheap barter”, and stated first step is to permit those refugees so desiring return their homes. He had no suggestion, however, re disposition remainder. He further stated Egypt wld wish make proposals re frontier rectification designed secure strategically defensible frontier for purposes Egyptian [Page 1180] and Israeli security. Amb said such proposals wld not involve large amount territory.
On June 11 AmEmb Cairo acting on instructions requested views Egyptian auths re Israeli offer,2 emphasizing concern USG re refugees that area, which has no econ potential for future settlement. Emb asked Egypt’s plans re disposition those not wishing return Israel, since latter might be considerable number, and requested Egyptian views re frontier in light Amb’s ref to strategic rectification, in order US might explore possibility exchange of Gaza strip for frontier rectification further south.
Khashaba Pasha informed Chargé he had requested military opinion from Brit Amb Cairo as to frontier line which Egypt cld most satisfactorily defend with own resources, and was advised that Gaza-Beersheba-Dead Sea line shld be adopted. In response specific query from Chargé, FonMin stated Egypt wld therefore not be willing cede Gaza strip to Israel even if Israel shld agree relieve Egypt of refugee burden that area.
While USG wld be prepared support frontier rectification favor Egypt, in accordance Pres’ formula re territorial compensation, present Egyptian proposal is of course not politically feasible and wld defeat purpose providing for disposition Gaza refugees.
We propose take strong line with Egyptians, based on overriding consideration of getting constructive action re refugees. USG urgently requests firmest UK support these representations and hopes UK will make utmost effort disabuse Egypt of its unrealistic attitude towards frontier rectification of character described foregoing. Deptel to Cairo this question being repeated you separately.
Pls discuss foregoing urgently with FonOff, rpt reply to Cairo and Bern for USDel.3
- See telegram 573, June 11, to Cairo, p. 1115.↩
- See footnote 2, p. 1116.↩
- This telegram was repeated to Cairo and to Bern for the American Delegation at Lausanne. In reply, on June 28, London advised of information from Michael Wright that the “UK would instruct British Ambassador to mention to Egyptian Government US representations and to say that on territorial aspects these representations UK did not wish to give Egypt advice one way or other. However, refugees constitute problem utmost gravity and UK believes that if Egypt desires to keep Gaza strip it would be in very difficult position before world opinion if it refused keep refugees Gaza area. … Foreign Office inclined to think that it would be better for Egypt to keep Gaza strip and its refugees and for Israel to take another 150,000 refugees from elsewhere.” (telegram 2501, 501.MA Palestine/6–2849)↩