867N.01/10–2447: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt
1479. Officer in charge observe strictest secrecy re following: It is hoped serious trouble will not develop Near East re Palestine. If violence does break out belief here it will be localized rather than cover all Arab countries. Even if disorders widespread, Dept expects women and children to leave first and that some personnel will be able remain posts.
Dept Navy and Air Force, however, drawing up plans evacuation all Americans Near East along following lines:
- 1.
- Egypt. Americans will either leave by plane or proceed Alexandria and Port Said for evacuation by Navy southern Italy.
- 2.
- Palestine. Americans will proceed directly to Haifa. If this impossible they will seek shelter nearest British Army camp for later transportation Haifa evacuation Navy southern Italy.
- 3.
- Lebanon. Americans outlying areas will proceed Beirut for evacuation Navy Italy.
- 4.
- Syria, (a) Americans Damascus should proceed overland Beirut evacuation Navy Italy. If overland route impossible, USAF will provide transportation, (b) Americans Aleppo to proceed overland Alexandretta en route southern Italy, or by air direct.
- 5.
- Iraq (a) Americans central and northern Iraq assemble Habbaniya for transport US-Brit Air Force Beirut or southern Italy. (b) If no air transport available, Americans Basra to proceed overland or by ship southern Iran or Bahrein en route Naples area.
- 6.
- Kuwait. Evacuation by commercial tanker to southern Iran or Bahrein. Rendezvous southern Italy.
- 7.
- Muscat and Oman Province. At first sign trouble Americans to be flown Dhahran.
- 8.
- Eastern Saudi Arabia. (a) At first sign trouble Al Kharj group to be flown Dhahran. (b) Abqaiq, Dhahran, Ras Tanura communities to be evacuated by air or commercial and Navy tankers to Bahrein en route Italy rendezvous.
- 9.
- Western Saudi Arabia. (a) At first sign trouble Americans Mahad Dahab to be brought Jidda, (b) Jidda colony to be flown commercial or Army planes Asmara eventual rendezvous southern Italy.
All Americans to be returned US as soon possible. If trouble Near East appears long duration FSO not entitled home leave would then be reassigned.
Detailed instructions re Govt and non-Govt personnel follow by airgram.
Make local preparations to fit this general pattern and inform Dept preparations made and comments this general plan.
Sent Cairo, repeated Jerusalem, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Jidda.