887N.01/6–1449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt 1
priority
626. Pls seek immediate interview FonMin to resume subject discussed urtel 578, June 142 and convey to him orally Dept’s views along fol lines:
USG notes with profound disappointment negative attitude Egypt re cooperation refugee problem. Up to present, and despite urgency of refugees’ plight, no concrete or constructive proposals for solution refugee problem have been forthcoming from any of Arab states. On its part, Egypt has consistently demanded repatriation of refugees while admitting that substantial proportion will not desire return Israel, and only proposal of Egypt re disposition latter category has been that states other than Egypt assume responsibility therefor. Consistently negative approach of Egypt typified by attitude UnSecy Hassouna Pasha (Cairo A–690, June 163), who informed AmEmb Cairo that PCC subcommittees, designed to give simultaneous study to refugees and other outstanding issues, were unacceptable to Egyptian Govt. Arab states shld give most serious attention to consequences during recent years of their steadfast refusal accept realities situation re Pal.
Fol considerations shld be of direct concern to Egyptian Govt:
- (1)
- UNRPR program funds will run out within few months; (2) UN most unlikely take further action to extend assistance to refugees without evidence tangible progress towards solution refugee problem prior opening autumn session GA; (3) in absence such action, entire financial and admin burden relief and rehabilitation all refugees and resident population in areas under Arab military occupation will devolve upon respective occupying authorities as soon as UNRPR terminates, as well as full onus formulating and executing plans for their permanent disposition.
USG regards problem of refugees as joint responsibility of Israel and Arab states, and, as member PCC, cannot agree that either side should shirk responsibility. This fact of more than academic interest to Egypt, which as occupying power in southwest Pal, bears full responsibility for 230,000 refugees and 80,000 residents that area. USG, motivated by sincere desire find means resolving this problem, requested info re Egypt’s plans for permanent disposition these people. No such info has been forthcoming.
[Page 1182]Israeli proposal re Gaza strip constitutes Israeli commitment to assume full responsibility for refugees and residents that area, and as such shld be given most serious and constructive consideration by Egyptian Govt. Proposal shld serve as basis urgent discussion between states concerned, through direct or indirect negots. USG prepared lend all possible assistance facilitate such negots. Repeat reply to Bern for USDel Lausanne.