867N.01/12–2145: Telegram

The Chargé in Iraq (Moose) to the Secretary of State

509. Senate resolution on Palestine featured Baghdad papers. Two editorial attacks thus far, others will follow: Saut Al Ahali condemns resolution as major offense to Arabs; asserts that Senators should not permit Zionist money to outweigh Arab friendship; and warns of dangers involved in becoming “tool of aggressive Zionist intervention in Palestine”.

Al Akhbar asks what’s use of Truman’s change of mind or Joint Commission of Inquiry since Senate has resolved to open Palestine to Jews. Arabs must demand abolition of Joint Committee and insist Palestine question be restricted to Arabs and British. America plans to create Zionist state as base for mid-east penetration. Arabs must remember that America can’t be enemy and umpire at same time.

In conversations at a press reception yesterday local editors condemned Senate’s “hostile action” and many who are personally friendly expressed regret over what they regard as irreparable blow to American prestige in Iraq.

Moose