ISRAEL


1085


essential negotiators work on premise entire area of Jerusalem will
be permanently demilitarized and neutralized. In addition to terri-
torial delimitations and public utilities, committee should consider
"right of passage" to such places as Scopus and holy places and
"right
of residence" by Jews and Arabs in each other's zone while intimately
bound up with location territorial demarcation line. Account also
should be taken of fact settlement reached would become part of per-
manent peace treaty and must fit into overall framework of treaty.
  Necessary [to] estimate reactions parties directly involved.
  [Here follow the estimates that Jordan would probably welcome
the proposals, especially the provision for arbitration; that the Pal-
estinian Arabs, with objections, would probably accept the proposals;
and that the Israelis would likely be opposed, anticipating greater
benefits by direct negotiations. There also follow personal comments
on possible arbitrators.]
  Sent Department 395, repeated Geneva 19 for USDel PCC, Amman
30.
                                                          BTURDEITT

501.BB Palestine/6-249: Telegram
         Mr. Hark F. Ethridge to the Secretary of State

TOP SECRET                        LAUSANNE, June 2, 1949-4 p. m.
  Palun 181. Consult Rusk for distribution.
  1. Reftel 717M, May 31.1 1 regret McDonald is apparently refraining
from using his influence with Israeli Government to underline Presi-
dent's and Department's approved position regarding Palestine as set
forth in Deptel 682, May 24. We need all help we can get, particularly
in Tel Aviv.
  2. I also regret apparent importance which McDonald attaches to
Herlitz' remarks. Miss Herlitz recent graduate Eytan's civil service
school, is acting chief of North American Section of Foreign Affairs;
and while it may 'be assumed she speaks officially, I doubt if as much
weight may 'be given her remarks as those of Ben-Gurion, Sharett,
Comay (all whom must be available in Tel Aviv) and Eytan.
  3. In this connection, it is clear from record Ben-Gurion first men-
tioned Gaza strip proposal which was subsequently officially presented
by Eytan in Lausanne (reference Paluns 133 April 20, 142 May 9, 160
May 20 and 162 May 21 [23] 3).
  'Not printed: it repeated telegram 408, May 31, p. 1076.
  President Truman ,read the first paragraph of Palun 181 on June 13; for
his
reaction, see footnote 2, p. 1125.
  Palun 162 not printed, but see footnote 2, p. 1036.