501.BB Palestine/7–148: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices
Re Depcirctel June 11 covering UNSC Resolution May 29. Three B–17 Flying Fortresses recently left Miami reported destination Israel. Believed here these planes intend engage in transport munitions or troops to Middle East or as bombers. This is inconsistent with intent UN Security Council Resolution regarding Palestine Truce. Moreover, planes left U.S. in violation export laws and without proper clearance to land in foreign country. Various other cases have also been reported involving illegal export from U.S. of aircraft and use of American planes by American citizens in transporting arms between points outside U.S. Department desires all appropriate measures be taken prevent such traffic. Accordingly, you instructed request appropriate foreign authorities, unless you deem inadvisable, that any information concerning such clandestine activities be reported to this government. Particular attention should be given to activities of non-certificated irregular air carriers (tramp airlines) operating on non-scheduled basis, as some of these are known to be engaged in gun running.
Advise Department promptly of reaction foreign government as well as any information obtained.
Repeat to interested consular officers your jurisdiction.
For action to Ankara, Athens, Belgrade, Bern, Brussels, Caracas, Ciudad Trujillo, Copenhagen, Dublin, The Hague, Havana, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Oslo, Ottawa, Panama, Paris, Port au Prince, Praha, Reykjavik, Rio, Rome, Stockholm and Vienna.
[Page 1180]For info to Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem and Jidda.
Repeated USUN New York for Jessup to be transmitted to UNSYG for info of UN Mediator.