890D.00/6–1147: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
3204. Questioned June 10 re Greater Syria developments, Garran, Eastern Department Foreign Office, read to Embassy representatives [Page 747] letter dated April 24 from Ibn Saud to Bevin1 in which former referred to strained relations between SAG and Hashimites. According letter friendship for Great Britain has restrained SAG from embarking upon anti-Hashimite publicity campaign and other measures but “military and political union” between Trans Jordan and Iraq2 which could only be directed against SAG and Syria has materially altered situation. In forceful but polite terms, letter states that it is not sufficient for British Government to say that Greater Syria question is one for Arabs alone. Letter asks British Government to reconsider question and to make it known to Arab world that “British Government will never agree to any change in Middle East”.
2. Garran then read British Government’s reply drafted by Baxter and handed by Bevin to SAG Minister London June 6 (Embassy’s 2952, May 28,3 paragraph 3). Reply states that His Majesty’s Government greatly regrets strained relations between SAG and Iraq and Trans Jordan, countries with which His Majesty’s Government has treaties of alliance and friendship. His Majesty’s Government is convinced these countries have no evil intentions towards SAG.
3. His Majesty’s Government is aware of differences in Arab world re GS but must point out that His Majesty’s Government is not an interested party. This question is one for Arabs to discuss and decide among themselves.
4. His Majesty’s Government understands that treaty between Iraq and Trans Jordan is not a “military and political union” as indicated by SAG, but resembles 1926 Treaty between SAG and Iraq. Letter ends.
5. When Bevin handed reply to SAG Minister, latter asked whether he would consider making British position re GS clear in a reply to a Parliamentary question. Bevin replied that he “would study matter”.
6. Embassy representative said that British Government’s June 6 letter is obviously carefully prepared statement of current British thinking re GS and SAG-Hashimite feud. He expressed hope that British Government would be able in near future to provide US Government with texts of this correspondence. Garran said that British reply had been made only four days previously and it was possible that Ibn Saud might object to disclosure to another power even in confidence of his approach to British Government and British Government’s reply. He asked Department to guard closely information just supplied Embassy representative and said that he would see what he could do about copies.
[Page 748]7. Re earlier proposal that British Government issue GS statement in London (reference telegram paragraph 1) Garran said that he did not know what had become of papers this connection but he would have to find them, since Bevin had promised SAG Minister that he would study matter.
8. Speaking generally and personally, Garran said that Foreign Office “is a little bored” that Arab states went running to it with their troubles. They must realize that they are on their own and must learn to work out between themselves such problems as GS.
9. While they may have been discussing a different matter, SAG Minister, London, was seen yesterday to buttonhole Nevile Butler, Assistant Undersecretary of State, at King’s garden party and to Butler’s evident embarrassment discuss a “letter”. SAG Minister spoke at length in loud tones touched by acerbity.
Sent to Department as 3204, repeated Cairo 63, to Bahdad 30, to Damascus as 22, Beirut as 11, to Jidda as 28.
Please pass to Jerusalem.