867N.01/5–2948: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
1015. Pravda May 29 carries rare front page editorial “on events in Palestine”, expressing full support for Israel and condemning Arab aggression. Reviewing adoption UN partition resolution, editorial describes it as assuring “liberation of Palestine from foreign dependence, satisfaction of national aspirations Jewish and Arab peoples, creation of possibility for both Jew and Arab populations of Palestine be masters own land, independent of foreign imperialist influences”. Though decision “should have been welcomed by all peoples of Near East”, military conflict has broken out as result British and American policy and fact that “rulers of certain Arab states are carrying out policy which in no way corresponds to interests Arab people, but is subordinated to foreign interests and influences”. After contrasting British and American efforts upset partition with clear consistent position Soviet Government, editorial concludes: “Soviet Union has defended and continues defend independence Arab states and peoples. Must be clear, however, that waging war against young Jewish state, Arabs are by no means fighting for own national interests, own independence.…1 Despite its sympathy for national liberation movement Arab peoples, Soviet public opinion cannot but condemn aggression of Arab states against state of Israel and right Jewish people to establish own state in accord decision UNGA”.
- Omission indicated in the source text.↩