501.BB Palestine/7–2347: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Childs) to the Secretary of State
292. Aide-mémoire re Palestine problem dated July 21 handed me yesterday by Deputy Foreign Minister and similar one handed to British representative. Following is summary:
Refers to appointment UN Palestine committee “without approval Arab nations” and establishment agenda for committee contrary to what Arab states asked for.
Political committee of Arab League met on June 5 to consider its attitude toward a committee. After arguments in favor of Arab cause in Palestine adds “if investigation committee desires to hear SAG’s opinion it will be ready to express it clearly and frankly, under the reservations of all those expressed by SAG delegation at the UN meeting concerning the investigation committee”.
Arab nations regard Great Britain as primarily responsible for Zionist aggression against tranquil Arab country.
Arab nations likewise regard US Government as next responsible for “this aggression owing to previous proposals attributed to it as well as to US Government’s pressure on Great Britain in favor of Jews or the Zionist organization against the interests of Arabs despite principles of justice, fair-play, and humanity and despite written promises King Saudi Arabia received from late President Roosevelt which were reaffirmed by present President”.
SAG together other Arab states “extremely desirous to maintain their friendly relations with two democratic states” US and Great Britain.
“They believe maintenance peace Near-East is mainly depending on maintaining this friendship. Endeavors made by His Majesty King Saudi Arabia during war and post-war are proof His Majesty’s desire [Page 1132] support democratic principles. His Majesty’s desire in future will not be less than that in past. His Majesty together with Arab States considers solution this question which may maintain peace in Middle East cannot be achieved in UN unless Arab States and the two friendly governments Britain and America will agree amongst themselves before entering the UN (session in September).
“SAG together with other Arab States has requested UN to include in its agenda September termination Palestine mandate and granting its independence.
“SAG desires to reach an agreement with the two friendly governments on this basis and to cooperate with them in deciding this situation at UN session.
“If this agreement between two friendly governments and Arab States is not concluded, reaction will have the worst results which all of us, the Arab states, America, and Britain will share in bearing the consequent difficulties, burdens and involvements. Effect of this bad result will be only of advantage those who are against peace and anxious create dissensions between Arab States and two governments, Britain and America. Mutual interest between those two governments and Arab States necessitate that they be on good terms and always in agreement with one another.
[“]SAG in submitting this request as a member of Arab League trusts it will be acceptable to two friendly governments and that it will be supported and given every assistance”.
Sent Department as 292; repeated Baghdad as 26. By pouch other Arab capitals.