501.BB Palestine/11–1048: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
urgent
Delga 685. For Satterthwaite from Kopper. During past 5 days in separate conversations with Riad Solh (Lebanon), El-Rawi (Iraqi), Fawzi Bey (Egypt), Faisal (Saudi Arabia), and Amir Abdul Majid Haidar (Transjordan), several points of interest and importance have emerged.
[Page 1569]There are indications that the Arabs believe they would have great difficulty at home if Bernadotte plan were formally approved and adopted in detail by GA. On other hand should Bernadotte plan fail to carry Arabs would also have difficulties. Consequently most Arab leaders here believe that SC should first establish firm truce lines. Along with this methods should ‘be worked out for peaceful settlement in GA. Riad Solh and El-Rawi last night accepted privately idea by which GA would establish commission with firm terms of reference, including mention of previous GA action and Bernadotte plan, to work out peaceful settlement. Both Riad Solh and El-Rawi recognized settlement would have to be worked out with full knowledge that Israel exists as a state. Likewise they have said period during which settlement would be worked out would not be used for preparing for renewal of warfare. When asked whether other Arab states would accept commission concept Riad Solh and El-Rawi expressed opinion they would.
[Here follow additional views of various Arab leaders at Paris.]
Fairly obvious Arab leaders here realize their weak position.
Sent Department Delga 685, repeated London as 1224. [Kopper.]