Editorial Note
Telegram 2674, May 9, 7 p. m., from London, reported that on May 8, King Abdullah issued a White Paper which proposed the establishment of a Greater Syria consisting of Trans Jordan, Syria and Palestine, within the framework of the Arab League (890D.00/5–947).
The Embassy in Baghdad, reporting on the White Paper in telegram 210, May 21, 11 a. m., stated: “Cover carries only two blocks of type reading respectively ‘Greater Syria’ and ‘Trans-Jordan White Books’. Title page carries added block reading ‘national documents on the natural Syrian unity).
“Then follows two page ‘introduction’ which is the only new substantive text included in book’s 300 pages. This stresses natural ties of geography, history and political aspiration; censors [censures?] strongly modern ‘separatists’ who, while supporting unity of Nile Valley, oppose fusion of fractioned Syria; and argues in series of rhetorical questions that Syrian unity is but natural concomitant of Arab unity, that political federation is not precluded by differing forms of government, and that Trans-Jordan in this sacred struggle is guided not by private ambition but by Arab national aspiration.
“Table of Contents list 81 numbered documents and considerable volume collateral documentation tracing movement from early post first World War period through mandatory period and realization of Syrian, Lebanese and Trans-Jordan independence to declarations of policy made by King Abdullah following conclusion recent Trans-Jordan–Turkish treaty.” (890D.00/5–2147)
According to telegram 625, May 25, 7 p. m., from Cairo, the Syrian Legation at Cairo, in reply, issued a White Book printed locally. This 100-page volume contained 27 documents which characterized the “motives of agents carrying on Greater Syria propaganda as purely personal. Agents attacked as destroying relations between sister Arab countries to achieve private ambitions. Their interference in Arab states internal affairs shakes very foundation of Arab League to which Arabs have pinned their hopes. Syrian faith in destiny of Arabs, however, too strong to be shaken by such personal ambitions. Present White Book published order that Arabs of world may know real attitude of Syria towards Greater Syria project and may be aware of its dangers.” (890D.00/5–2547)