501.BB Palestine/10–1048: Telegram
Mr. Wells Stabler to the Secretary of State
78. Conditions Palestine Arab refugees in Transjordan and Arab Legion occupied areas, severely deteriorating daily with increase death rate in various camps and sites. Transjordan Government now responsible for about 200,000 refugees and though it continues extend modicum assistance, its administrative and material resources are too meager to provide prompt action needed relief—food, medicine and shelter. Despite presence one UN relief official Amman, no relief supplies, except for small amount powdered milk for children and pregnant women, have as yet been forthcoming from UN relief organization. Understand reason is that UN relief headquarters insists Transjordan Government organize group to take responsibility for distribution supplies and that no such group has been formed. Meanwhile, winter approaches and plight refugees grows worse not better. If aid does not come soonest and in liberal quantities, nature will solve problem which man apparently cannot.
While realizing Transjordan Government should theoretically take major responsibility for distribution relief supplies, submit that well known lack of organization and initiative in Arab Governments should prove a priori that major burden must be borne by UN relief organization, if in fact any relief work is to be done. Immediate relief is not only of importance from humanitarian standpoint, but also as essential [Page 1466] factor in arriving at satisfactory solution Palestine problem based on Bernadotte’s conclusions. This running sore of refugees will make Arab acquiescence therein more difficult and odious as it will remain evidence of UN inability cope with complicated yet urgent problem.
Appreciate fact USA is only one of many participants in relief program. However, further delay can only result in appalling number deaths and prompt action is so vital that strongly urge Department, in continuance its deep interest in matter, take urgent steps stimulate immediate action by UN relief headquarters at Beirut in providing necessary supplies. Believe that once supplies come in, distribution can be satisfactorily worked out by UN officials in collaboration with Transjordan Government.
Department pass Jerusalem 54, and Arab capitals.