Office of the Historian

890D.00/2–1447: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Officers

secret
Washington, February 14, 1947—8 a. m.

For Gallman.1 You should seek early opportunity discuss Greater Syria question with FonOff along following lines:

There has recently been marked recrudescence press and other reports from Near East to general effect that something is definitely in wind regarding Greater Syria project. These reports mostly center about Abdullah of Trans Jordan and are usually coupled with allegations that plan is inspired or assisted by Brit, if not by diplomatic representatives then by other Brit agents. Principal reasons given are Brit desire to create disunity among Arab states in order to prevent common front against Brit policy in Palestine and in revision Anglo-Egyptian Treaty and that Brit wish to enlarge and strengthen political and military position in general area.

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We have received info to effect that reports this nature are causing serious concern in official quarters certain Near Eastern countries.2

In view foregoing we should be grateful if Brit would let us have frank and unequivocal expression their attitude regarding Greater Syria question and if they could find possible we believe some sort public expression of Brit policy in this regard would tend to clear air.

Sent London for action; Jidda for info; Cairo, Jerusalem, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad for info and comment.

Marshall
  1. Waldemar J. Gallman, the Chargé in the United Kingdom.↩
  2. Telegram 50, February 11, 8 p. m., from Jidda, reported that in a letter dated February 9, 1947, handed to the Minister in Saudi Arabia (Childs) by the Saudi Arabian Deputy Foreign Minister (Yussef Yassin), King Ibn Saud expressed the knowledge of his Government that the British intended to appoint Abdullah ruler of Syria and stressed that if the idea were achieved by force, it would be against the principles of the United Nations. The letter requested the United States Government to review the matter at the first possible opportunity. Minister Childs informed the Deputy Foreign Minister that “while I know Greater Syria plan had been much bruited in press I had had no reports from our Missions in Near East leading me believe any such plan as that mentioned by King was imminent. I added that he had correctly interpreted attitude my government. We were firm supporters United Nations and had on more than one occasion expressed firm disapproval of changes of sovereignty accomplished by force of arms contrary to the will of the people concerned.” (890D.00/2–1147)

    In telegram 47, February 14, the Department requested Jidda to inform the Saudi authorities that the United States Government was making inquiries regarding the Greater Syria question (890D.00/2–1147).

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