Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

890D.00/2–1847: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State

secret

London, February 18, 1947—7 p. m.

1106. Department’s circular telegram February 14.

1. Baxter head Eastern Department Foreign Office, when question was discussed with him yesterday, did not seem greatly concerned by varying rumors re British support for Greater Syria movement.

2. Baxter said that British Government was neither for nor against Greater Syria and had said so whenever asked. About four months ago Foreign Office reminded “every British official in the Middle East Foreign Office could think of” that its attitude was neutral and directed them to be particularly careful not to give impression that British Government was anything except neutral. Particularly forceful instructions were sent to Glubb,¹ Transjordan, because Abdullah is so anxious to hint that British are for Greater Syria that Glubb must remind him constantly that British are neither for nor against it. Lebanese and Syrian Governments have been asking British to let them announce that Britain does not favor Greater Syria. British have taken pains to make British attitude clear to these Governments. On December 16, 1946, British Legation Beirut issued statement to Lebanese and Syrian press denying a UP story to effect that “British diplomatic quarters” favor Greater Syria. This statement concludes “official British view is that this movement is a matter which exclusively concerns governments of the Arab communities”.

3. Baxter said that similar denials could and would be issued elsewhere in area if and when occasions require them but Embassy did not get the impression that an overall statement from London reiterating British neutrality was considered necessary at moment.

4. Re something being “definitely in wind” re Greater Syria at this time Baxter said that only thing he could think of were some wild rumors which Pravda had publicized that Abdullah planned to march into Syria and lodge himself on Syrian throne. He did not know strength monarchist group in Syria but it was smaller than anti-govt group. Personally Baxter felt Syrian Government has been doing pretty well.

5. Baxter denied flatly that British diplomatic representatives or other British agents are either inspiring or assisting in Greater Syria project. He laughed at rumors that British policy in Palestine, Anglo-Egyptian treaty or British political and military position could be involved.

6. Baxter agreed that Greater Syria reports are causing concern in official quarters in certain Near Eastern countries. He said this was not because officials of Governments concerned do not understand true situation but because questions regarding Greater Syria based on wild rumors are frequently asked in their Parliaments. These officials would like to be authorized by British Government to reply to such questions by saying that British do not favor plan. Notwithstanding their difficulties, Baxter said, British for obvious reasons would have to stick to their true position—neutrality. It was this neutrality which lent itself to unending rumors which would probably continue in spite of such statements as that mentioned paragraph 2 above.

Repeated Cairo 20; Jidda 2; Beirut 4; Damascus 3; Baghdad 4; Department please repeat to Jerusalem as 11.

Gallman

1. Brig. John Bagot Glubb, a British officer commanding the Transjordanian Arab Legion.