501.BB Palestine/11–1449
The Diplomatic Representatives of Various Arab States in the United States to the Secretary of State
Memorandum
The Diplomatic Representatives of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria, and the Head of the Delegation of Yemen to the General Assembly of the United Nations, acting under instructions of their Governments, have the honour to submit to the Honourable the Secretary of State of the United States of America the following:
The Governments of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen have been persistently opposed to any solution of the Palestine question that will not insure for the inhabitants of Palestine the exercise and enjoyment of their rights and the protection of their legitimate interests in keeping with the principles of the United Nations and the right of self-determination of peoples.
In supporting the rights of the Arabs of Palestine within the framework of these principles, the Arab Governments did not lose sight of the needs of international peace and security.
This is the reason why the Arab states were firmly opposed to the partition plan which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on November 29, 1947, being convinced that this resolution, which contradicts the above-mentioned principles, is also likely [Page 1489] to trouble the peace of the Middle East. Their apprehensions did not wait long to be confirmed, since, increasing their terrorist activities in March and April 1948, the Jews had forced nearly two hundred thousands among the Arab inhabitants of Palestine to abandon their homes and seek refuge mainly in the Arab countries, obliging these countries to intervene militarily in order to prevent the complete extermination of these inhabitants.
The truce which was decided by the Security Council on May 29 and July 14, 1948 and which was accepted by the Arab Governments each time on the advice and insistence of the Government of the United States in particular, has not, any more than the general armistice, eliminated the danger.
The Arab Governments are conscious that a solution should be sought for this question and especially under the present international circumstances which call for active collaboration of all peace-loving peoples.
It is in this spirit that the Arab Governments, in response to the renewed appeal of the Government of the United States of America for reaching a realistic and peaceful solution of the problem, have agreed to collaborate to this end with the Conciliation Commission that was created by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 11 December last.
It is equally in this spirit that the Arab Governments signed at Lausanne on May 12, 1949 the protocol adopting the territorial provisions of the partition plan with the necessary adjustments, thereby bringing their attitude into conformity with the policy of the United States in this matter—the policy which was proclaimed by the American Delegate, Mr. Jessup, in the third session of the United Nations in Paris, was reaffirmed by the President of the United States in his message to His Majesty the King of Jordan, by the American representative in the Conciliation Commission, Mr. Ethridge, to the delegates of the Arab States, and finally by the representatives of the State Department at Lausanne.
In adhering, therefore, to the policy of the United States in this matter and in affixing their signatures side by side with that of the United States representative, the Delegations of the Arab Governments have the right to believe that some sort of gentleman’s agreement, providing reciprocal obligations, was concluded.
Nevertheless, no action has been initiated to put this protocol into effect until now, owing to the lack of good faith on the part of the Jews who have equally signed it.
The Arab Governments have grounds to believe that the Government of the United States would not lack the means necessary to induce the Jews to respect their signature and carry out the obligations resulting therefrom.
[Page 1490]Considering the great concern of the United States Government for preserving peace in this particularly sensitive part of the world and its desire not to spare any efforts in the attainment of this peace, the Arab Governments would not waver in giving it their complete cooperation towards this end. But, it is necessary that the solution which was deliberately accepted by them in order to settle in an effective manner a problem liable to paralyze their action, must be implemented.
The Arab Governments have also solemnly affirmed during the last session of the Arab League, held in Cairo in October, their firm will to form a single front to the end of defending the peace against any danger from whatever source this danger originates.
They hope that the Government of the United States of America will not deny them its support in order to solve peacefully the problem which preoccupies them, permitting them in this way to join their efforts with its own efforts in the pursuit of other ends not less urgent.
Consequently, the Arab Governments trust that the United States Government will riot hesitate in giving them assurances that the peaceful solution concluded by common agreement at Lausanne in the protocol of May 12, 1949 will produce its full and complete effects, and that the United States Government will endeavor by using the effective means at its disposal and by direct action with the other interested party, to expedite this solution.