Telegram on Johnson Mission and the UNRWA Debate
(October 12, 1961)
This telegram illustrates the U.S. government's
thanks for Johnston's work, further discussion of the outcome of the
Johnson mission, and how that progress could be useful in establishing
the U.S.'s position at the upcoming UNRWA debate.
Washington, October 12, 1961, 11:13 p.m.
902. Reftel 1116./2/ Dept gratified by success which
has attended Dr. Johnson's efforts thus far. While realizing that much
can be attributed to initial courtesies, Johnson seems have developed
valuable rapport with Arabs and Israelis. He also appears to have instilled
a consciousness of seriousness and sincerity of PCC (and USG) endeavors.
In view of foregoing, Dept favors long-term continuation
of SR efforts and hopes current UNGA will so resolve. Progress which
SR will be able to make will, however, depend considerably upon SR's
freedom of maneuverability. To preserve this freedom, and in fact to
preserve possibility that UNGA will endorse continuation of SR, it is
in Dept's view important to avoid to extent possible providing Arabs
or Israelis with specific issues or specific proposals which could become
bones of contention, particularly during forthcoming UNGA UNRWA debate.
Thus Dept would prefer no published substantive report by Johnson. However,
we understand he feels committed. If he makes public report, we would
hope it would be relatively unspecific and as non-controversial as possible.
He might if he felt impelled to do so make a more detailed and substantive
confidential report, preferably orally, only for use of PCC. We do not
wish to open Pandora's box. It is Dept's impression that as of present
Arabs and to lesser extent Israelis are considering forthcoming UNRWA
debate with some equanimity and with an expressed desire not to stir
up troubles unnecessarily. If this disposition could prevail through
the forthcoming UNRWA debate we would be more than pleased.
As long as present Arab moderation continues Dept believes
threats re possible cessation of UNRWA should be avoided. At same time,
it is too early categorically to commit USG to UNRWA's extension. In
any case, before this done full approval must be obtained from various
interested parties within USG.
Tentatively, Dept believes best tactic would be for
Johnson tell Arabs that he would be prepared press USG to agree appropriate
extension of UNRWA if they would support longer range mandate for a
special representative, would sincerely cooperate with him, and would
not press controversial issues in GA which could prejudice atmosphere
conducive to constructive progress on this question.
As regards PCC report scheduled be released fifteenth,
we are satisfied that present language should go long way deny either
party basis for contentious statements. We will wish consider carefully
whether a further PCC report will be desirable just prior opening of
GA debate. Any final judgment on this matter must be deferred pending
completion present phase Johnson mission and reaction of parties. Assuming
that Johnson's findings are received reasonably and favorably by parties
concerned, there may be advantage to following up this report with second
PCC report which would contain recommendations for continuation of Special
Representative on long-term basis, and call for continuation of international
assistance to Arab refugees (without specifying UNRWA).
If we can proceed on this basis, we may perhaps be
able this year to achieve reasonably non-contentious and non-recriminatory
debate with action moving along above lines. This will depend, of course
on whether all-out campaign for such concepts as custodianship can be
avoided.
Re Syrian factor, Dept understands SAR being informed
by appropriate UN authorities of Johnson's mission and his availability
for discussion. Unless Kuzbari on own initiative requests Johnson come
to Damascus Dept prefers his contacts be made with SAR reps at UN.
In its contacts with Johnson, USUN should continue
make clear to Johnson Dept's deep appreciation for his good work to
date and express hope that his proven talents will continue to be available
for this challenging task.
Ball
/1/Source: Department of State, Central Files, 325.84/10-661.
Confidential. Drafted by Meyer and Sisco (IO/UNP), cleared by Strong
and Talbot, and approved by Cleveland who initialed for Ball.
/2/Telegram 1116 from USUN, October 6, reported that,
according to Moe of UNRWA, Joseph Johnson was very encouraged by recent
conversations with Takla and Fawzi in New York and planned to meet on
October 9 with Israeli Foreign Minister Meir. He would then meet again
with Fawzi, Takla, Meir, and a Jordanian representative before writing
his report for the PCC. The telegram also reported that Johnson said
that his most urgent and important request was for the United States
to agree to a 2-year extension of UNRWA. (Ibid.)
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |