501.BB Palestine/5–548: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
1618. Deptel 1586 May 3. For Douglas. Following telephone conversation between Dept and AmEmbassy Cairo May 3 Ambassador Tuck sent Secretary Ireland to Damascus by plane to ascertain Arab views regarding informal truce arrangements which have been developing at NY and regarding ten day cease fire.
In subsequent telephone conversation May 5 between Dept and AmEmbassy Cairo Ambassador Tuck and Secretary Ireland (latter having just arrived in Cairo from Damascus by plane) stated Ireland had talked yesterday and today with Azzam Pasha and other Arab leaders and had obtained impression that Arab League was deeply interested in cease fire proposal but that it was unwilling to accept unless convinced Brit would be prepared continue maintain their responsibilities Palestine until at least ten days after May 15. Azzam Pasha was not prepared at this time to admit Arab armies would refrain from invading Palestine even though Brit might remain. Ireland did not believe there was any truth in report that Arab League had decided to accept ten day cease fire proposal (as rumored in NY through Brit channels).
Azzam Pasha flatly refused to agree to any increase in Jewish immigration during the period of truce for Palestine in excess of 1500 monthly because Arabs had never agreed to any Jewish immigration (although they would accept 1500 monthly in maintenance of status [Page 916] quo1), and because Arabs could see no reason for Jewish insistence on increased immigration during the period of truce when unsettled conditions in Palestine prevailed (unless Jews desired precedent of Arab agreement to Jewish immigration or to use immigration for strengthening Jewish armed forces).
When Ireland asked Azzam Pasha if Arabs had considered grave responsibilities which they were assuming before world in invading Palestine at time when matter was before UN Azzam Pasha replied Arabs had given serious consideration to all consequences and had determined they could do no other than to send armed forces into Palestine. Ireland said every possible argument had been used to convince Azzam Pasha and other Arab leaders of necessity for arranging 10 day cease fire and truce.
Azzam Pasha stated Arab armies were poised ready for entry into Palestine and that if they should fail to enter on May 15 these forces might gradually disintegrate so that they would no longer be really effective at later date.
Ireland obtained impression from Azzam Pasha and other Arab leaders particularly former that failure of members of Arab League to invade Palestine by force in near future might lead to dissatisfaction and mutual recriminations among Arabs; that relatively moderate elements of Arab League including Azzam Pasha would be overthrown; and that unity of Arab League would be endangered. There was also apparently fear that some Arab governments might be overthrown as result rising passions among Arab populations.
Ireland said anger among Arabs had been heightened by reported action among certain Jews of violating Arab women. Such stories were particularly effective in view sensitive attitude of Arabs regarding their women.
Tuck promised endeavor communicate with Egyptian FO to obtain definite reply as to whether Arabs had agreed to 10 day cease fire proposal and to reach Chargé d’Affaires Damascus to ascertain latter’s information.
Sent to London 1618, repeated Cairo 529, USUN New York 285, Jerusalem 364, Damascus 157, Baghdad 144, Beirut 214, Jidda 169.
- In telegram 471, May 5, 9 p. m., Cairo clarified Azzam Pasha’s views on the immigration question, namely that the “Arabs would not agree to rights of Jews to immigration. Never had done so and could not now begin. Would, however, accept existing conditions whereby 1,500 Jews per month were permitted, but would not agree to inclusion of any mention of immigration in truce.” (501.BB Palestine/5–548)↩