501.BB Palestine/2–1949: Telegram
The Chargé in Iraq (Dorsz) to the Secretary of State
69. Palun 49. [From Ethridge.] 1. On February 17 Ibn Saud with informality and cordiality received Commission at Riyadh three times: Following arrival, before evening prayer and for dinner. King continually emphasized Saudi Arabia’s desire to cooperate in restoring peace but strongly stressed necessity for equal desire on part of Jews. At second meeting King cited three prerequisites to settlement: (1) Real guarantees by UN [and?] by larger powers making sure that settlement would be effective; (2) that immediate action would be taken by UN to make possible for Arab refugees to return to their homes; and (3) that present GA and SC resolutions re Palestine would be made effective and that those who did not comply would be made to do so or be penalized accordingly, [after?] which refugee question could be discussed first. Ibn Saud, following intervention by counsellors such as Sheikh Yussuf, and Hamza Bey, hedged somewhat on Prince Feisal’s previously indicated willingness actively to participate.1 [Page 757] King was ready, however, to cooperate providing other Arab states also agreeable to conference. In general, Saudi Arabia seems remote both geographically and operationally from Palestine but indicates deep and detailed interest in problem. Saudi Arabian officials manifest little faith in UN effectiveness but appear sincere and desirous of working with UN re Palestine.
2. For Department’s special information Saudi Arabian officials apparently accept without question and as fact unofficial reports and rumors via press and radio re continuing military aid from US to Israel in spite SC truce. Report Israel has four American destroyers cited by Saudi Arabian officials. US Delegate suggests it would be helpful American prestige SAG could be informally told of US measures to prevent military export from US and through third countries since Nov. 1947 and particularly since June 1948.
3. On February 18 Commission left Riyadh for Baghdad via Turkish plane, putting down briefly at Dhahran for quick visit with Saudi Arabian and American officials, thereafter arriving at Baghdad at 2:30 p. m.
4. Sent Department; please repeat to Near East capitals as seems appropriate. [Ethridge.]
- The Amir Faisal, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, had indicated in his discussions with the Palestine Conciliation Commission at Jidda on February 16 that Saudi Arabia would participate at a general conference to discuss the refugee problem, if the other Arab States would (telegram 116, February 17, 10 a. m., from Jidda, 501.BB Palestine/2–1749).↩