501.BB Palestine/4–849: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
272. In Old City yesterday encountered extreme bitterness and resentment among Palestine Arabs over signature Israel Transjordan armistice. Particularly angered over provisions in Article 6 for turning over to Jews area in triangle containing 16 villages and reportedly 35,000 inhabitants. Asserted villagers defended homes during entire period of conflict and saw no justification for surrender their lands. [Page 901] Villagers reportedly begging Iraqis to stay and delegation sent Baghdad to plead case. Arabs scoffed at clause permitting villagers remain and stating Jews would not enter villages. Stated essential work surrounding lands to survive and many persons from Tulkarm and Qualqiliya also depend on lands to be given Jews. Pointed to fate villagers left in Faluja area when Egyptians withdrew alleging were terrorized by Jews and forced by physical violence to leave. Anticipated great majority Arabs in area would become refugees.
Open criticism of Transjordan and King Abdullah voiced. Stated in desire conclude immediate peace and obtain title to Arab areas in Pakistan [Palestine], King paid no heed to wishes or rights Palestine Arabs. Denied persons signing treaty had right to speak for Palestine Arabs or dispose their territory. US and UK assigned share of blame since failed give Abdullah concrete assurances assistance in event Jewish attack.
Abdullah Tel, Governor Old City, confirmed above feeling Palestine Arabs, Stated as adviser to King had warned him that cession territory in triangle most unwise politically and “would shake kingdom Transjordan”. He refused associate himself officially with negotiations despite anger of King although did conduct Jewish officials to Shuneh. Stated that alleged compensation to Transjordan in Hebron area mere fiction since territory of no value and contained no “name” villages. Tel stated from military point of view could sympathize with demands Jews for improvement of lines in triangle. He urged they compensate by giving back villages in Ramie Ludda area (not towns) or Beitjibrin sector. This would enable King to show people concrete quid pro quo and offset adverse political reaction. Jews as usual refused to give anything not even village of Dawayima although this discussed for three hours.
Re Jerusalem Abdullah Tel maintained not intention Arabs exclude UN from Jerusalem discussions (Contel 266, April 5) through creation special committee. Said this undoubtedly desire of Jews but Arabs wished and realized needed assistance UN and PCC in Jerusalem settlement. Claimed would not accede to any further demands Jews in Jerusalem and was now time for Jews give something.
Re Syrian coup,1 Abdullah Tel, who recently proceeded Damascus as emissary King Abdullah, stated revolt entirely internal against associates President Quwwatly who completely corrupt. Stated group surrounding President of Lebanon of same ilk and should watch step or might suffer similar fate. Asserted Iraq and Transjordan both supporting Zaim.
[Page 902]From above conversations appears that Israel obtained its demands at cost further bitterness among Arab people and that in acquiescing King Abdullah also incurred public resentment. Only by risking strong popular opposition and possible upheavals can Arab leaders, regardless own wishes, agree to further Jewish demands without receiving real concessions in return. To obtain permanent peace treaties and even temporary stability in area essential find formula for forcing Israel to make concessions in accord with US policy as set forth by Jessup in speech November 20 and to comply with GA resolution December 11.
Sent Department 272, repeated Baghdad 22, Beirut 56, Damascus 19, Amman 21. Pouched Cairo, Jidda.