367N.1115/219: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Steger) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:20 p.m.]
86. As indicated in my telegram dated May 8, 5 p.m.,16 there is a distinct possibility that Syria may in the near future become the scene of hostilities; and in that event, I am informed, nearly 200 Americans of the American University of Beirut will probably desire to proceed to Palestine. In that case also it may become necessary to evacuate Americans from this country at very short notice.
While as previously reported the total number of American citizens in Palestine is about 6,000, not more than 2,000 are “bona fide citizens” as defined in section 3 of the Department’s telegram of January 25, [Page 606] 2 p.m.17 Of these about 400 are Arabs, most of them minor children, who will not desire to leave the country. Some 1,500 are Jews, of whom probably 1,000 will wish to leave, and less than 500 have sufficient funds. The remaining 100, native citizens of Anglo-Saxon stock, largely missionaries, can in almost all cases defray their own expenses.
In view of these facts and of the fact that, travel by way of Iraq being now impracticable, departure from Palestine is possible only via Egypt, I have taken the following precautionary measures: acting upon a request of the President of the American University of Beirut17a I have arranged with the Director of Migration that in case of emergency special facilities will be granted to the foreign staff of the university for entry into Palestine.
The same official has promised to approach the Governments of India and South Africa requesting authority to issue visas immediately in his discretion to American citizens should they find it necessary to evacuate Palestine and desire to travel through those countries en route to the United States.
The Consul General of Egypt has promised to forward for the consideration of his Government my suggestion that he be authorized in his discretion to grant visas to Americans who in an emergency might wish to enter Egypt—or that in case of acute crisis Americans might even be permitted to enter without visa. He is of the opinion that should such authorization be granted some assurances would be required that the persons in question would leave Egypt within a reasonable time and that they would not become public charges.
I have reported the foregoing to the American Legation, expressing the hope that it might see fit to recommend to the competent Egyptian authorities a favorable consideration of the above suggestion. I have also asked him, in case assurances as above indicated should be required, that he inquire as to the Department’s attitude in this respect.
I have not failed to note carefully the Department’s general policy regarding emergency assistance to Americans as set forth in its telegram of January 25, 2 p.m. At this time, when the situation appears to hold definite elements of menace, I should greatly appreciate receiving such further instructions as the Department may wish to furnish. Especially I should be glad to know whether I may properly hold out to local American residents any reasonable hope that the Government may be able to assist them should this country be in more imminent danger of invasion.
- Not printed.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1940, vol. iii, p. 887.↩
- Bayard Dodge.↩