Telegram from William C. Burdett, Jr. to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

INCOMING TELEGRAM DEPARTMENT OF STATE-DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS TELEGRAPH BRANCH RMS TRIC TGD N 3 M Action: UNA Control 3581 Info: SS Rec'd April 9, 1949 E 4:45 p.m. C FROM: Jerusalem G H TO: Secretar? of State EUR NEA NO: 275, April 9, 11 a.m. L UNAR PALUN 116 USUN OLI On April 5, PCC approved for transmission to SYC part CIA one of second progress report to UN dealing with AAN refugees, Jerusalem and conciliation during March. DCL Part one is principally concerned with views Arab states OFD toward refugees as Beirut meeting took place during DCR review period. PCC is submitting part two dealing with Israel's views refugees and other subjects following discussion with Ben-Gurion April 7. Summary follows: Refugees: (1) Arab delegates at Beirut meeting were unanimous in emphasizing (A) necessity both for humanitarian and political reasons of giving absolute priority to refugee question over and above all other questions; (B) necessity that any solution of problem must be contingent on acceptance by Israe 1 of principle in paragraph 11 GA resolution December 11. Arab delegates pointed out that thus far Israel not only had not accepted principle but had endeavored create de facto situation rendering practical application more difficult or even impossible. Arab delegates mentioned such Israeli steps as lack of Arab security in Israel, lack of minority guarantees provided under GA Resolution November 29, Israeli measures blocking refugees accounts and liquidation real and personal property and Israeli absentee property ordinance. Arab delegates requested PCC to obtain from Israel positive clarification of its position. PCC recognized truth of Arab contention re (A) and admitted Arab views re (3) were well founded. PCC considered it necessary, however, to make certain observations re practical application of principle of repatriation of refugees: (i) granted acceptance of principle possibility exists not DECLASSIFIED SESMRICTED Authority E.O. 10501 the INFORMATION COPY m