867N.01/3–949: Airgram
The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
A–299. A statement by King Abdullah that he had advised the Arab states before the outbreak of fighting to study the situation in Palestine carefully and that he had ordered his forces to enter the former Man dated territory on May 15, 1948, only when he found that other members of the Arab League insisted on intervention was printed in Al Garida Al Misaiya, a new evening daily newspaper, yesterday. The new paper, which will apparently be pro-Wafdist in tone, stated that the Hashemite monarch had given his views in a special interview.
[Page 804]King Abdullah, was quoted as saying he had marched into Palestine in order to avoid accusations which might have been leveled against him. He had given the order to march in without having changed the views expressed in his warning to the other Arab states. This warning had pointed out that it would not be sufficient to rely on courage and faith to secure victory, but that it was necessary to take into account every eventuality and to be prepared for “behind the scenes” activity.
The order to enter Palestine had been given although he knew that the Transjordanian army and Kingdom lacked sufficient resources to face the situation. “We have made and still are making great sacrifices to safeguard Arab unity”, continued King Abdullah, “but we are now faced with two alternatives”. He defined these as being either to resume fighting with the object of annihilating the Zionists in Palestine and their supporters abroad, or to acknowledge the present status quo and to sign peace agreements. “I believe”, added King Abdullah, “that Transjordan will adopt the latter course”.
Explaining his opposition to an All Palestine Government, the King said that in his opinion it lacked the necessary basis and its establishment had been inspired purely by personal ambition. Also it was unreasonable for the All Palestine Government to take Gaza as its seat, as this would deprive Transjordan of a Mediterranean port.
Dealing with the Palestine conference at which he had been chosen King of Palestine, he said that the Palestine Arabs had turned to him in their plight and appealed for liberation. He had responded with more than the resources of his country. “Can I”, he concluded, “turn away from them now?”