Harman Expresses Israeli Views on Johnson Plan
(November 30, 1962)
This is a telegram from the Department of State
to the Mission to the United Nations reporting of a meeting with Harman
to discuss the Johnson proposals on refugees.
In reply Harman's urging earliest consultation re text draft resolution,
we emphasized New York proper locus for discussion this or other tactical-procedural
problems; consultation re draft resolution, which must in any case be
matter of multilateral concern, premature until we have Israel's reply
re USG package proposal.
We said USG objective is not to add to legislative history of para
11 at this session but since citation this para probably inevitable
as result of Arab insistence we think it safer have an innocuously-placed
citation in our draft from the beginning.
We estimated chances of blocking Arab proposals to be at least as good
as last year provided there is created proper appreciation of need for
PCC's continuing its work and obligation of GA protect this.
We further made it clear Johnson is an independent agent and even if
Israel accepts proffered package we cannot dictate his report but only
use what influence we have with him to urge merits of a non-substantive
report at this time. Harman argued strongly of need to squelch further
references to idea of refugee "preference poll" futility of
which USG must now understand. We said PCC must be free after debate
consider any and all courses of action, including free expression refugee
preference; certainly no one wishes push individual refugee across borders
against his will.
Harman sought assurance PCC would not transmit or publish Johnson report
at this time regardless of content. We refused give such assurance,
again emphasizing that first step is hearing Israel's reply and subsequent
step is Johnson submitting non-substantive report.
Harman said Israel might have some difficulty re direct negotiations
resolution which has developed head of steam. We pointed out we had
earlier expressed to Israel concern on just this point and had received
firm reply Israel could control situation.
Rusk
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |