UNCCP – Response to invitation to participate Commission’s Paris meetings – Letter from Israel

UNITED NATIONS CONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR PALESTINE

Cable dated 13 August 1951 addressed to the Chairman of the Conciliation Commission by the Foreign Minister of Israel

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your cable of 10th August inviting the Government of Israel to participate in meetings convened by the Conciliation Commission beginning in Paris on 10th September 1951.

The Government of Israel has consistently pursued a policy of co-operation with the Conciliation Commission and seized every opportunity of discussing problems outstanding between Israel and the Arab States. It would help the Government of Israel in considering the invitation conveyed in your behalf of 10th August if the Commission were to indicate to it whether the intention is to hold meetings separately between the Commission and representatives of Israel on the one hand and between the Commission and delegates of the Arab States on the other, or whether, as suggested by the term “conference”, it is planned to conduct direct meetings between the representatives of Israel and of the Arab States. It would also be helpful if an indication could be given as to the proposed agenda for the conference or the method by which an agreed agenda might be worked out.

I should much appreciate an early reply to this enquiry for the guidance of my Government and meanwhile avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the expression of my highest consideration and personal esteem.

(signed) Moshe Sharett

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel.