867N.01/6–2348: Telegram
The Consul at Haifa (Lippincott) to the Secretary of State
173. ReDeptel 164 June 21.1 Upon inquiring whether it was true Jewish authorities were refusing permission Arabs return Haifa, [Page 1138] Victor Khayat, Honorary Spanish Vice Consul and an American citizen, told me this afternoon in strictest confidence.
- 1.
- All Arabs who remained Haifa being thoroughly screened by Jewish authorities, required obtain identity cards and must swear allegiance to Israel state.
- 2.
- Arabs who return Haifa are considered illegals. Of these Jews are permitting only those to remain whom they consider satisfactory after thorough investigation. These also required take oath allegiance Jewish state. Result is remaining Arabs determined leave. Khayat informed that he had recently arranged for departure seven sailing vessels for Lebanon each carrying average 120 persons passage free. One additional vessel scheduled leave twenty-second ending operation. Khayat said departures were arranged with assistance British Commandos now controlling port. Approximately 1500 Arabs now Haifa. Of these some expected infiltrate Nazareth and other towns in nearby Arab controlled areas.
Khayat added that he is issuing “emergency certificates” for purpose entering Syria or Lebanon to “all Arabs applying”. He called on me some time after giving the above information inquiring whether Jews could legally object to his issuing visas to Syrians and Lebanese whose interests he represents. I gave him no definite suggestions or advice. When asked what orders Jewish authorities had given with regard refusing Arabs return Haifa Khayat said “word was just passed around.”
- This was a repeat of No. 629 to Jerusalem, not printed.↩