501.BB Palestine/3–2248: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macatee) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
341. Jewish reaction Austin statement Friday one of consternation, disillusion, despair and determination. Most feel United States has betrayed Jews in interests Middle Eastern oil and for fear Russian designs. Foreign correspondents see Jewish determination set up state in any event and only decision to be made is whether state to be in area given under partition scheme or in all Palestine with Jerusalem as capital and Tel Aviv as seat of govt. Jewish Agency political and security officials confirm public sentiment and bitterness against US but feel that Jewish Agency executive, if meeting probably Tuesday, will not reach immediate decision establishment state.1 As JA security officer said “if we do make such decision we poor Jews will be in the wrong again”. While some believe US policy reversal will throw Jews into hands of Russians most feel Jews will have to “fight it out alone”.
Arabs while pleased with United States abandonment of partition regard it as only natural return of US to principles of democracy and justice and are glad Arabs and Americans can resume traditional friendship. But all determined fight against Jews must continue until Zionism eradicated. Kawukgi, commander [Yarmuk] army, told American correspondents his army in Palestine not to fight partition but to crush Zionism. Arabs more optimistic but not overconfident.
Both Arabs Jews regard trusteeship scheme undesirable and most observers feel bloodshed will now increase tremendously with Jews desperate and Arabs feeling new strength.2
- The Jewish Agency and the National Council of the Jews in Palestine, the Vaad Leumi, adopted a statement on the question of a trusteeship for Palestine on March 23. The statement declared their opposition to any proposal designed to prevent or postpone the establishment of a Jewish State; rejected any plan to establish a trusteeship regime in Palestine; and asserted that by May 16, a provisional Jewish Government would begin to function; for text of the statement, see SC, 3rd yr., Nos. 36–51, p. 244.↩
- The reaction of the Arab States to Ambassador Austin’s statement was favorable, although accompanied in some instances by a note of caution. The Syrian Government expressed its “gratitude for America’s reversion to common sense and fairness in rejecting Palestine’s partition as unworkable.” (Telegram 153, March 20, 11 p. m., from Damascus, 867N.01/3–2048) The Saudi Arabian Government was “pleased.” (Telegram 157, March 22, 1 p. m., from Jidda, 867N.01/3–2248) The Iraqi reaction was “good” and “hopeful”, but satisfaction “must be tempered by uncertainty how matter will develop in SC and special session GA.” (Telegram 252, March 22, 2 p. m., from Baghdad, 501.BB Palestine/3–2248) The Lebanese welcomed wholeheartedly the suggestion of the United States but emphasized “that our difficulties are far from solved.” (Airgram 136, March 23, from Beirut, 501.BB Palestine/3–2348) The Egyptians “universally welcomed” the United States action. An important section of public opinion, however, was “inclined to await with reserve next US step. General agreement that even temporary trusteeship will be unacceptable if it permits continued immigration or assists otherwise in establishment Jewish state or if it blocks achievement ultimate Arab objective of independent, democratic Palestine state.” (Telegram 289, March 24, 4 p. m., from Cairo, 501.BB Palestine/3–2448)↩