867N.01/5–1249: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
secret
Jerusalem, May
12, 1949—4 p. m.
363. During call with Hare on French Consul General Neuville, latter expressed following views:
[Here follow two paragraphs giving these views.]
Comments:
- 1.—Military observers agree Israel could easily take remainder Arab Palestine by force.
- 2.—Legion could probably suppress any disturbances by Palestine Arabs at present unless aided from outside.
- 3.—Statements of Neuville confirm reports from Consulate General of widespread and growing, although partly concealed resentment against Transjordan. Press and radio statements recently more open [Page 1000] in their criticism and emphasize both giving up to Israel of Arab land and appointment by King Abdullah of puppets to “represent” Arabs of Palestine.
- 4.—Although Consul General not able agree entirely that Palestine Arabs would prefer union with Israel, following factors tend make this attractive: Failure Transjordan protect their interests versus Israel, realization great military superiority Israel, failure Abdullah provide them voice in determining own fate, consciousness of personal nature Transjordan Government and relative backwardness Transjordan as whole, more favorable economic opportunities in Israel, especially higher priced markets for agricultural products, possibility such union would permit return large numbers refugees to both Arab Palestine and areas now under Israel control.
Sent Department 363, repeated Baghdad 25, Beirut 70, Damascus 27, London 11, Geneva 10 (for USDel PCC), pouched Amman, Cairo, Jidda.
Burdett