Commission’s arrangements in Jerusalem – UNCCP 5th Meeting – Summary record

UNITED NATIONS CONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR PALESTINE

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE FIFTH MEETING

Held at Government House, Jerusalem,
on Thursday; 27 January 1949

* Alternate

Decisions adopted

1. Communication from Dr. Bunche (Telegram of 25 January 1949 — Annex I).

The Commission decided to reply to Dr. Bunche in the terms of the telegram annexed (Annex II). After being approved by the members of the Commission, the telegram was despatched on the evening of 27 January 1949.

2. Installation of  the Commission at Government House

After a preliminary exchange of views the Commission decided to postpone its decision for a few days, during which time an effort would be made to complete arrangements at Government House for the installation of the Commission. At the same time conversations would be continued the manager of the King David Hotel concerning the terms on which the Hotel might continue to be used by the staff of the Commission.

3. Repair work on the road linking Government House with the Arab zone

The Commission considered the opening of this road vital to the effective neutrality of Government House as the headquarters of the Conciliation Commission and, possibly, the future headquarters of any international bodies which might be required to function in Palestine. However, before taking a definite decision the Commission considered it essential to have a rough estimate prepared of the cost of the work.

On the proposal of the United States delegation it was decided to set up a delegation of the Conciliation Commission at the American School in the Arab zone, where the Commission might hold one meeting weekly.

4. Appointment of the United States representative

Mr. WILKINS informed the Commission of the appointment of Mr. Ethridge, who proposed to arrive at Jerusalem within about ten days. The Commission decided to send Mr. Ethridge a telegram requesting him to indicate the date of his arrival and earnestly hoping that it would be as early as possible.

5. Preliminary exchange of views regarding the programme of visits to interested Governments

The Commission decided to visit first the Arab countries (Cairo, Amman, Bagdad, Damascus and Beirut) and lastly Tel Aviv. The. question of visiting Saudi Arabia and Yemen as well was left open.

It was also decided that a preliminary contact should be made, before the beginning of the tour, with representatives of the Governments of Israel, and Transjordan.

Nevertheless, this contact was not to b e arranged until it was certain that it would not hamper negotiations at Rhodes.

6. Meeting with the Truce Commission

The Principal Secretary was instructed to get in touch with the Chairman of the Truce Commission in order to arrange a Joint meeting.

7. Neutralisation of the King David Hotel and YMCA zone

The Principal Secretary was instructed to take advantage of the first opportunity, to make a preliminary approach on this matter.

SR/5
ANNEX I

COPY

25 JAN 1949

To: UNATIONS HAIFA, JERUSALEM

From: Dr. BUNCHE, RHODES

RELAY TO CHAIRMAN CONCILIATION COMMISSION JERUSALEM FROM BUNCHE STOP EYE REGRET EXCEEDINGLY THAT FIRM AGREEMENT HERE BETWEEN EGYPTIAN AND ISRAELI DELEGATIONS THAT NO REPORTS OR RELEASES ON SUBSTANCE OF PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS CAN BE ISSUED UNTIL ARMISTICE IS SIGNED PREVENTS ME FROM REPORTING TO SECURITY COUNCIL AND ALSO KEEPING YOU INFORMED STOP IN SEPARATE MESSAGE EYE AM SENDING FOR YOUR INFORMATION COPY OF REPORT SUBMITTED BY ME TODAY TO SECURITY COUNCIL STOP PARA EYE WOULD BE DELIGHTED SHOULD IT PROVE POSSIBLE FOR THE COMMISSION TO VISIT RHODES WHILE THE CURRENT NEGOTIATIONS ARE STILL IN PROGRESS STOP IN MY VIEW OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSULTATION WITH YOU HERE WOULD BE USEFUL TO ME AND TO THE NEGOTIATIONS STOP THE MEETINGS HAVE BEEN ADJOURNED UNTIL THURSDAY MORNING TWENTYSEVENTH IN ORDER TO PERMIT DELEGATIONS OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSULTATION WITH THEIR GOVERNMENTS STOP

BUNCHE

SR/5
ANNEX II

COPY

27 JAN 1949

To: Dr. BUNCHE, RHODES

From: SUNMO JERUSALEM

CONCILIATION COMMISSION THIS AFTERNOON EXAMINED YOUR SUGGESTION REGARDING VISIT TO RHODES DURING CURRENT NEGOTIATIONS STOP COMMISSION UNABLE TAKE AFFIRMATIVE DECISION UNTIL INFORMED WHETHER NEGOTIATIONS WERE RESUMED TODAY AND IF SO ON WHAT BASIS STOP HOWEVER IF YOU DEEM ADVISABLE COMMISSION IS PREPARED SEND RHODES ONE OF ITS STAFF TO. MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT WITH YOU AND COLLECT. INFORMATION CONCERNING BASIS ON WHICH NEGOTIATIONS. PROCEEDING STOP

HUSSEIN C. YALCIN
CHAIRMAN CONCILIATION COMMISSION