867N.01/5–1548: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Childs) to the Secretary of State
priority
281. News recognition de facto by US Government Jewish State has profoundly shocked Saudi Arabs, My Arab secretary, recalling [Page 996] interpretation US Palestine policy set forth in Deptel 55, February 23, 6 p. m.1 which Legation instructed present SAG raises question how far this latest move may shake SAG confidence in our policy assurances. Although explanations we may offer likely have little effect hope Department may supply us soonest such arguments as may be appropriately offered.
I have heretofore not been uneasy re possible break Saudi-US relations, latest US action coupled with entrance Arab forces Palestine and evident determination Arabs settle by such means available to them what they consider, from King on down, threat national existence not only Arabs Palestine but Arabs in adjacent states, raises apprehensions my mind possible consequences including possible break with US and possible early necessity US evacuate several thousand Americans Saudi Arabia. There is no slightest doubt in my mind that King and his Ministers are determined support Arab cause Palestine and Arabs are believed united as they have never been before (Legtel 257, May 6 and 277, May 132) we are only deluding ourselves if we still cling to notion Arabs can be bluffed or can be persuaded to abate their unalterable opposition Jewish State. King and Ministers have, repeatedly affirmed to me their deep-seated conviction [that it?] is a question Arabs national existence and that it is better for them to go down fighting in total defeat than to yield.
It is perhaps too early as yet to foresee immediate consequences to us here but I hazard opinion we must be immediately prepared rejection any and all our requests including turning from now on deaf ears to any consideration prolongation our tenancy Dhahran air base. Possibility must not be excluded we may be invited evacuate base.
If American forces sent Palestine we must be prepared immediately break relations.
Situation has so many ominous possibilities I am requesting Consulate Dhahran hold conference with Colonel O’Keefe there view to perfecting without delay plans evacuation Americans should this unfortunately become necessary.
Repeated Dhahran 152, Baghdad 25, Cairo 61, Damascus 7, Beirut 16, London 77.