982 FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1949, VOLUME VI

He indicated that Transj ordan could not accept Haifa proposal
and wanted outlet at Gaza through Beersheba. Sharett replied this
not possible as it would cut Israeli territory. King then suggested
Israelis should return Ramle and Lydda immediately so Trans} ordan
could have outlet at Majdal or Ascalon. —

King said meeting ended on friendly note but felt that no progress
had been made. When I inquired whether he was hopeful that talks
would lead to early and acceptable settlement he replied “IT cannot
answer. yes or no—it depends on support I receive from US and
others”. He indicated he would like to Meet again with Sharett or
Ben-Gurion.

Sent Department 199; repeated J erusalem 99, Geneva for UsDel
PCC 10, London 34, Tel Aviv 8.4

STABLER

4Tel Aviv reported, on May 10, that the Foreign Office had confirmed the meet-
ing of Mr. Sharett with King Abdullah on May 5 and had “informally indicated
no progress had resulted from discussion which was described as ‘friendly but
fruitless.’ ’. " (telegram. 348, S67N. 01/5-1049)

 

501.BB Palestine/4~2949 : Telegram

‘The Secretary of State to the Legation i in 1 Lebanon

SECRET Wasuiweron, May 1, 19494 p. m.

995. Pls take early opportunity resume conversation reported urtel
917, May 4, expressing Dept’s appreciation over instructions to Leba-
nese delegation to cooperate fully with PCC at Lausanne in solving
refugee problem, and Lebanese intention use its influence with Arab
states to induce reasonable attitude.

‘You should inform FonMin that Dept is aware of sensitive Chris-
tian-Moslem balance and would regret any disturbance to Lebanon’s
equilibrium. ‘We believe, however, that Lebanon could agree to accept
for permanent resettlement reasonable portion of refugees now in
Lebanon, selected on basis half Christians half Moslems, in order
maintain equilibrium. USG fearful that failure Lebanon indicate
agreement to principle resettlement would materially lessen willing-
ness other Arab states to share in burden which Lebanon has so gener-
ously assumed up to present, and might accordingly result in perpetua-
tion large- scale refugee problem in Lebanon. US is therefore hopeful
that in own interest Lebanon will express willingness in principle
accept some refugees for permanent resettlement, as humane and con-
structive example to other Arab states to take similar action.

*Not printed, but see footnote 2, p. 966.