867N.01/8–2745: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem ( Pinkerton ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:27 p.m.]
161. Have received belated protests from Palestine, Arab and Istiqlal parties upon President’s press conference Aug 16. These protests express opposition to any further Jewish immigration and say White Paper was result of consultation with Arabs and Jews. They followed receipt here of protests in Egyptian press (previously some more conservative Arab leaders said President’s reference to need for peaceful settlement indicated he was familiar with Arab attitude toward Zionism and they did not condemn statement). Arab press has been only mildly critical pointing out that Jewish immigration and peace in Palestine are inconsistent. Hebrew press has in general approved statement but regretted reference to half a million soldiers to maintain peace which some papers regard as encouragement to Arabs to resist any settlement. All are agreed Arabs will not accept Zionist program in present or any modified form and they press Jewish right to immigration in spite of Arab opposition.