867N.01/9–2845: Telegram
The Chargé in Iraq (Moreland) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—7:30 a.m.]
375. ReLegtel 367 of September 20. Press attacks on President Truman’s alleged advocacy of immediate admission of 100,000 Jews into Palestine is strong as feared.
In an impertinent article entitled “America must choose” authored anonymously for As-Sa’a Fadhil Jamali, Director General FonOff expresses pained surprise at President Truman’s “generosity at expense of Arabs” [apparent omission] all destitute Jews are not received in US, and questions moral, legal and political bases of President’s behavior. Article states America must choose between hypocrisy and honesty, and must demonstrate whether oft pronounced principles of peace, independence and self-determination are more than “empty words drawled by American leaders”. Article concludes that Americans must decide whether they wish to sacrifice Arab friendship and their economic interests in Near East in a bloody war to uphold unjust Zionism.
Iraq condemns President Truman’s attitude toward Zionism as indication of “frank hostility” to Arabs, and asserts President’s policy is inspired by personal ambition. Editorial also criticises British for remaining silent in face of President’s “interference” in purely Anglo-Arab affair.
Al-Akhbar lashes President Truman “aggression” against rights of Palestine, and with sarcasm and venom rips into America for holding itself out as protector of Four Freedoms while supporting imperialistic Zionism.
Similar editorial criticisms appear in other papers and more will follow.