867N.01/4–2848: Telegram
The Ambassador in Egypt (Tuck) to the Secretary of State
436. While Arab states probably reached overall agreement April 24 regarding dispatch their armies to Palestine, it is believed basis information supplied by Azzam Pasha and other informed sources that implementation will be delayed until 1) Ibn Saud, Lebanese and [Page 872] Syrian Governments approve; 2) further effort is made by volunteers supplied with all remaining arms; 3) essential steps taken to mobilize armies and coordinate effort. Azzam Pasha left today for Beirut, Damascus, Amman, possibly Riyadh to “coordinate efforts”. Hilmi Hussain Bey left yesterday for Riyadh with message from King Farouk. Nature agreement among Arab states not yet disclosed by [but?] informed source believes Transjordan, Iraq and Syrian forces will comprise strength, with units from Lebanon. Egyptian contribution prior May 15 will be principally funds.
Attitude Iraq, Transjordan and Egyptian delegation at Arab conference apparently that sufficient action must now be taken by Arab Governments to dissipate rising pressure public opinion. Egyptian Government opposition continues to entrance official troops prior May 15 (Embtel 422, April 26). No reason to believe King Farouk has reversed categorical statement to me that Egyptian troops would not enter Palestine prior departure Great Britain troops (Embtel 1387 December 3, 19471). British Embassy has been informed that notwithstanding movement Egyptian troops Al Arish to satisfy public opinion such troops will not enter Palestine before May 15. Well informed Egyptian army source has admitted to this Embassy that two trains left Cairo April 27 for Al Arish carrying an expanded headquarters group, with reinforced infantry battalion, and machine guns and light artillery units totaling approximately 1100 men. Consul Buell Alexandria has reported entrainment at Alexandria last night infantry battalion field artillery unit destination reportedly Palestine. Naval units also reported patrolling coast southern Palestine.
Azzam informed Ireland2 that recent events indicating intention of Jews to face world with state as fait accompli had swung him over to favoring entrance Arab armies prior May 15 nothwithstanding probable repercussions UN. He felt in any case that Arab withdrawal from UN was inevitable.
- Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. v, p. 1295.↩
- Philip W. Ireland, First Secretary of Embassy in Egypt.↩