867N.01/4–2748: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
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1506. For Douglas. We are concerned at reports which are reaching us to effect that Abdullah is planning invasion of Palestine in near future with armed forces of Trans Jordan and that armed forces of other Arab countries may also cross Palestine borders.
If armed forces of any Arab country should invade Palestine we do not see how US Govt could avoid taking energetic position in UN pointing out that invasion is violation of Charter and insisting that appropriate steps including if necessary despatch of forces under auspices UN be taken to eject invaders. If enforcement action proposed to SC was vetoed it seems likely that five permanent members under Art. 106 would consult to provide necessary military forces. Developments of this character might lead to extensive warfare in ME and give Russia opportunity to send Soviet forces into area. Furthermore such developments might well nullify all efforts which Brit and US Govts have been making during past year to work out parallel policies in ME for purpose of maintaining security in that area. If forces of Abdullah invade Palestine it would be difficult to dispel impression not only in US but throughout the world of Brit complicity in matter in view of close military and economic relations existing between UK and Trans Jordan.
Please discuss this matter at earliest possible moment with Bevin and Attlee and point out to them how important it is in interest of security of Middle East, world peace and efficacy of Brit-Amer cooperation that Brit Govt use all its influence to restrain Abdullah from engaging in such an adventure.1
Sent to London for action, repeated to New York 259, for info only.
- Marginal notation: “OK H[arry] S. T[ruman]”.↩