867N.01/5–2248: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Wasson) to the Secretary of State
692. Now extremely difficult get in touch with prominent and representative Arabs but such Arab reaction to American de facto recognition of Israel as has become available to us is that United States has betrayed Arab States. Arab opinion reaching us extremely bitter gainst United States. Feeling among some Arabs is that foundation state of Israel is menace security well-being Arab states. These persons state that if Arab Armies defeated in major engagement with Jews public reaction in such countries as Egypt and Iraq will be so unfavorable that present governments will fall and both domestic and foreign Communist elements will take advantage of resultant situation to attempt foment public disorder and undermine national security. Foundation State of Israel has been described by some Arabs here as “made to order as bridge head for penetration of Near East by USSR”.
Turkish Consul in conversation with Consul General officers said “I am entirely unable understand US policy. On one hand, you help Greece and Turkey and on other hand you undermine us from rear”.
Jews are of course elated and Consul General informed that demonstrations took place in Tel Aviv and Haifa. In Jerusalem Jews are faced with immediate and grim task of warfare and have not been able give much thought to anything but business at hand. Jew feelings seems be that US recognition must be followed by strongly positive action to give support to Jewish state as well as to Jews of Jerusalem.