UNCCP – Comprehensive proposals to Israel and Arab States – Letter to Israel/Egypt/Jordan/Lebanon/Syria

UNITED NATIONS CONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR PALESTINE

Letter dated 31 October 1951 addressed by the Chairman of the Conciliation Commission

to the delegation of Israel and to the delegations of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria

On 17 September 1951 the Conciliation Commission submitted to the delegations of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria its comprehensive pattern of proposals. These proposals were submitted to the delegation of Israel on 21 September.

In its letter of 6 October 1951 to the delegations the Commission took note of the results of the discussions held concerning the preamble to its proposals and concluded that a basis existed for the consideration of those proposals.

On 24 October the Commission submitted to the delegations of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria further explanations of its proposals. The same explanations were given to the delegation of Israel on 26 October. With these explanations the Commission intended to enable the parties to enter into a detailed discussion with the Commission of its proposals.

After reviewing the records of its meetings, the affirmations of peaceful intent made by the parties and the Commission’s correspondence with the parties, the Commission continues to believe that a basis exists for a detailed consideration of its comprehensive pattern of proposals within the framework of the present conference. The Commission is therefore of the opinion that with the further explanations that the parties have received they should now be in a position to begin full discussion of its proposals.

The Commission considers it essential that it be in a position to submit through the Secretary-General to the Sixth General Assembly a constructive report on the Palestine situation in general and on the outcome of the present Paris meetings as soon as possible after the opening of the Assembly on 6 November 1951. The Commission requests Your Excellency to indicate before that date whether your delegation is prepared to discuss with the Commission all points of the comprehensive pattern of proposals. In order to facilitate this discussion, the Commission would be glad to receive before the opening date of the General Assembly your delegation’s preliminary views on the several points of the proposals.

The present letter is being addressed to each delegation taking part in the Paris conference. The Commission will make its plans in the light of the replies received. It hopes that the co-operation of the parties will make it possible for the Commission to continue its mediation and conciliation efforts within the framework of the present conference.

Please accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my high consideration.

(signed) Ely E. Palmer

Chairman

Issued also as AR/65