Office of the Historian

357.AC/2–750: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation to the Palestine Conciliation Commission, at Geneva1

confidential
Washington, February 7, 1950—7 p. m.

198. Unpal 245. Following are Dept’s views on compensation questions raised Paluns 330 and 331.2

Dept memo of Sept 63 states that determination claims not necessarily prerequisite negotiating preliminary lump sum payment. Modified postion our Jan 3 memo4 recommending survey refugee property as first step based on assumption unwillingness Israel negotiate pending broader settlement. Boisanger proposal therefore correct in principle but Dept feels now not appropriate time attempt apply it.

Dept agrees with position you have taken and approves idea establishing machinery for further study of problem. However, in interest harmonious relations with Boisanger, Dept believes wld be desirable not give him impression his suggestion rejected by Dept or USDel. You shld make further efforts persuade him agree USDel position. Following additional arguments may be helpful:

1.
Arabs wld react unfavorably to lump sum payment as this might seem indicate PCC has given up hope repatriation.
2.
If Israel agreed at all to pay lump sum, amount wld certainly not be large enough to satisfy Arabs.
3.
Not desirable risk creating another impasse so soon in new series PCC meetings.
4.
Reaction Arab public opinion to Israeli refusal might result serious stiffening Arab position.

Dept disagreement first sentence Palun 331 set forth in Jan 3 memo. Fully agree compensation should not be linked reparation claims.

Acheson
  1. This telegram was repeated to the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations in New York.↩
  2. Dated January 28 and 31, neither printed.↩
  3. See SD/A/C.1/261, Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. vi, p. 1362.↩
  4. Copy not found in Department of State files.↩