867N.01/2299: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State 91
[Received March 30—11:30 a.m.]
750. Following is the substance of letter received from Nahas Pasha dated March 27 replying to letter of March 17, communicating substance of Department’s 531, March 5 [15], 1 [9] p.m.
(Begin summary) Regrets that President authorized Palestine declaration but happy that supplemental clarification partially attenuates declaration without, however, entirely reassuring Palestinians nor Arab peoples in general. The assurance that no decision regarding Palestine would be taken without consultation with Arabs and Jews is in accord with Egyptian policy, but in meantime it would seem desirable that responsible political personages refrain from declarations liable to mislead Palestine and the Arab countries. The recent declaration coming from a great statesman justly regarded as greatest champion of liberty and democracy had been regarded by Arabs as official support of Zionism and had caused a wave of protest which Nahas had sought to calm by assuring neighboring countries that he was looking into matter.
As was stated in recent Egyptian aide-mémoire, Jewish persecution in Europe is deplored but Zionism merely substitutes one persecution for another by depriving Palestinians of their absolute right to sovereignty.
Middle East had greeted Atlantic Charter as message of hope and Palestine question should be treated in accordance with its principles and care taken to avoid giving Arab peoples impression that Charter might be a “mere oral manifestation”. Charter, of which President was author, is regarded as expression of his determined will and it was feasible that implicit confidence was placed therein. Desiring to see this confidence shared by all the Arabs request that foregoing be communicated to American Government in conviction that United States will pursue policy of recognizing legitimate claims of Palestine people. (End summary)
Text being transmitted by air pouch.92
Text to Jerusalem, Jidda, Beirut and Baghdad.