320.2–AA/9–2051: Despatch
The Chargé in Lebanon (Bruins) to the Department of State 1
No. 142
Subject: Preliminary Discussion of UNRWA’s (PRA’s) Three-Year Reintegration Program with Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs
On September 12, 1951, the Honorable John B. Blandford, Director of UNRWA (PRA), met with H. E. Mr. Charles Helou, Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs. A memorandum of that conversation, prepared by Mr. Blandford, is enclosed.2
During the conversation Mr. Blandford handed to Mr. Helou a copy of the outline of the Agency’s proposal for a three-year reintegration program, which is attached as Enclosure No. 2.2 This proposal, which has received the approbation of the Advisory Commission, will be discussed by the Director with the Near East Governments during his present second round of visits.
The salient points of Mr. Helou’s remarks were:
- 1.
- Although Lebanon can undertake nothing more than symbolic reintegration on her own overcrowded territory, she is prepared to render strong political support to PRA. If necessary and desirable, Lebanon will take the initiative in obtaining Arab League approval for the program.
- 2.
- Mr. Helou suggested that in conversations with Arab Governments, particularly Syria, PRA should stress the financial side of its program, particularly the immediate large local expenditures which would result.
The role of the PCC in these negotiations was also discussed.