501.BB Palestine/7–2347: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Saudi Arabia
224. Transmit following aide-mémoire in reply to SAG aide-mémoire July 21 contained in Legtel 292 July 23:
Govt of US appreciates frank and friendly expression views SAG with regard current developments respecting Palestine as set forth in its aide-mémoire July 21. Expression of such views is further testimony of close bonds of friendship which exist between Governments of SA and US.
Govt of US was pleased to note that SAG expressed its support of consideration which UN is now giving to Palestine question through its participation in evidence which was presented to UNSCOP at Beirut July 22.
[Page 1138]It is believed that such testimony will be of material assistance to UNSCOP and will aid it in its task of finding fair and workable solution to Palestine problem which will have support not only of Arab states but of other nations of world as well.
Govt of US has given careful consideration to suggestion of SAG that solution to Palestine question cannot be achieved in UN unless Arab states and Governments of US and GB agree among themselves before entering regular annual session in Sept.
SAG is undoubtedly aware that during Special Session of UN and since its termination Govt of US has on several occasions announced that no statement of its views with regard to future government of Palestine would be made until UNSCOP had completed its task and question was again being considered by UNGA in Sept.
Govt of US is of opinion that if its views are announced while matter is under investigation, impression might be created that this Govt is attempting to influence findings of UNSCOP. It is believed that UNSCOP’s work will result in report of greater value in advancing solution of problem if such work is free from any semblance of outside governmental influence.
Govt of US believes furthermore that prestige of UN itself is involved in task of achieving solution to Palestine problem and, as member of UN, US desires strongly to support principles for which UN stands and to cooperate to full in promoting its influence in solving one of great problems presented to it.
Govt of US is of opinion that an agreement among Arab states and Govts of US and GB in advance of Sept session of UNGA would be undesirable for similar reasons. This Govt, nevertheless, appreciates and understands considerations of peace and harmony which motivated SAG to make its suggestion and feels confident that it will continue, as will Govt of US, to support UN in heavy task which it has undertaken.1
- Telegram 4440, August 15, 7 p. m., from London, reported that the British Government on August 13 instructed the British Minister at Jidda to say, should the Saudi Arabian Government inquire, that “British policy regarding Palestine must be determined in reference to UNSCOP report and that British Government sees no point in conversations prior publication UNSCOP report.” (501.BB Palestine/8–1547)↩