867N.01/7–146: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Childs) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:20 p.m.]
207. Department’s 173, June 26. Following presentation letter of credence Prince Faisal offered customary dinner to staff and leading members American community and I had opportunity to inform him that reply to King’s letter might be expected soon, that overall Palestine policy not yet determined but being considered by Cabinet Committee.
In long discussion which followed, and which full report being made by despatch, Viceroy92 expressed considerable gratification that no final decision reached and expressed most earnest hope that decision would be a just one which would not prejudice the greatly valued friendship of the US by Saudi Arabia. He added Palestine question was matter of life and death to Arabs who viewed Zionist aspirations Palestine as having ultimate end of swallowing up Arab world. His statements were temperate but firm. He reiterated that Saudi Arabia and Arab world were placing great store in sense of justice of US.
In this initial talk with mouthpiece of King, I am convinced that unless we proceed with utmost circumspection in considering all phases of possible repercussions of Palestine question, we may raise difficulties for ourselves in this most strategic area of vital national interest which will plague US constantly in years to come and render abortive purposes to which we have subscribed in Charter of UN.
Sent Dept as 207, repeated Cairo as 90, Beirut as 8, Baghdad as 8, Jerusalem as 8, Damascus as 3.
- Prince Faisal was Viceroy of the Hejaz.↩