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

INCOMING TELEGRAM DEPARTMENT OF STATE-DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS TELEGRAPH BRANCH 3 -M N Action: UNA Control 3622 Info: SS Rec'd April 9, 1949 C 6:46 p.m. a H EUR FROM: Jerusalem NEA L TO: Secretery of State UNAR USUN NO: 277, April 9, 1 p.m. OLI CIA PALUN 118 AAN DCR On April 8 PCC approved for transmission to SYG part two of second progress report to UN dealing with Israeli attitude toward GA resolution December 11. Summary follows: PCC informed Ben Gurion of results of PCC exchange of views with Arab states in Beirut as set forth part one second progress report. PCC stressed Arab states ex- cept Iraq had agreed to continue conversations with PCC in neutral town where Israeli representatives would also be present. New conversations would not be confined to refugee questions but all questions solution of which was necessary for establishment Palestine peace. PCC asked whether Israel would participate. Ben Gurion agreed but reserved official reply pending decision by Government. Re refugees PCC explained Arab states although considering as most urgent question and imperative task for PCC did not make solution preliminary condition of conversations re other outstanding matters. PCC did not believe, how- ever, Arab agreement would make less desirable Israeli acceptance principle established in paragraph 11 GA resolution December 11. PCC strongly emphasized im- portance of acceptance by Israel and beginning of implementation by presently available steps to create favorable atmosphere for conversations. Ben Gurion DECLASSIFIED ARCHIVES SERVICE" AND RECORDS Authority E.O. 10501 to INFORMATION COPY