Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 2

501.BB Palestine/10–248: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices ¹

secret

Washington, October 2, 1948—1 a. m.

Pls seek opportunity in informal conversations with Govt leaders to express US Govt’s attitude re “Arab Palestine Govt” along following lines.

In spirit of friendly counsel US Govt considers establishment of “Arab Palestine Govt” under present circumstances prejudicial to successful solution Palestine problem as well as to best interests Arab States and Arab inhabitants Palestine. “Govt” apparently being set up without prior consultation wishes Arab Palestinians. Also appears dominated by Mufti, an adventurer, whose reprehensible wartime activities in association with our enemies cannot be forgotten or forgiven by US. Best interests Arab States being prejudiced by published indications that Arab unity disturbed by formation of “Govt”. Moreover by claiming speak for all Palestine “Govt” affords ready pretext to Jewish revisionists make similar claims for right [of] PGI control all Palestine.

If asked re US attitude on future of Arab Palestine you should recall to questioners that US Govt has announced its support of all Bernadotte’s conclusions.

Lovett

1. At Arab capitals, London, Paris (for GADel), and Tel Aviv.