Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Near East and Africa, Volume VII

867N.01/11–246: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State

secret

Moscow, November 2, 1946—1 p.m.
[Received November 2—7:50 a.m.]

4050. In our 2235, July 20, commenting on lecture given in Moscow regarding Palestine, we observed that USSR appears to be sliding over to Arab side of fence. This lecture which was not for export but was designed for guidance of those Soviet citizens interested in Palestine problem, received publication in Soviet press in much watered-down form. Fact that Pravda has now published openly pro-Arab and anti-Zionist article, reported in our 4047, November 2,⁹² represents further movement of Soviet policy toward undisguised support of Arab cause.

Pravda article went beyond Palestine problem in its championing of Arab cause, it sought to play on all Arab resentment against American policy toward Palestine. It is significant that in this connection Indian Muslims were mentioned. Article also revealed expected Soviet nervousness over possibility of Arab-Turkish bloc.

By way of conclusion we would reiterate at this time observations contained in final paragraph of our 3083 [3003] August 2.⁹³

Repeat London as 411.

Durbrow

92. Not printed.
93. Not printed; this paragraph stated: “We have reported indications that USSR favors an Arab state in Palestine and opposes Zionist demands. In these circumstances, would appear that Kremlin might be in better position to pursue its policies if we should make a decision on Palestine which would further antagonize Arabs against US. Arab resentment against US and UK will not be localized. It will mean Muslim resentment against US and UK, from North Africa through Levant, Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan to India and possibly on to Indonesia. If such a situation is created, USSR would probably seize upon and exploit it to the full in an endeavor to achieve a major political victory, alongside which Soviet gains in Azerbaijan would appear puny. Such a development might largely nullify our support of Turkish integrity because it would mean political outflanking of that country.” (867N.01/8–246)