Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

786.00/11–2050

Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (McGhee) to the Secretary of State

secret

[Washington,] November 20, 1950.

Subject: Your Appointment with Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha, Secretary General of the Arab League on Friday, November 24 at 12 Noon.

Discussion: Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha, Secretary General of the Arab League, is calling on you Friday, November 24 at 12 Noon.¹ He is visiting Washington at the Department’s suggestion and has been here since November 20. In view of the important position he holds in the Arab world, we believe it desirable to exchange views with him on a number of matters affecting US-Arab relations.

Although Azzam Pasha strongly opposed the U.S. position during the Palestine affair, and still feels deeply on the subject, he has more recently shown a more friendly and moderate attitude towards the U.S. Ambassador Caffery has maintained close relations with Azzam Pasha and has found him helpful on a number of questions of importance to us. One recent example was the Arab League consideration in June 1950 of the Tripartite Declaration of May 25, 1950 on Security in the Near East when Azzam Pasha persuaded the League members to draft a moderate resolution on the question.

The Department has for some time believed that the almost complete preoccupation of the Arab League with political matters has resulted in its being a disturbing influence in the Near East. If it were possible for the League to concentrate increasingly on social and economic problems common to the area as a whole, it might become a force for good rather than discord. It is suggested that you might wish to stress to Azzam Pasha the line which is suggested in the attached memorandum (Tab A).²

Azzam Pasha may wish to bring up one or a number of subjects of interest to the Arab States and there is attached a memorandum on these topics (Tab B). There is also attached a short background sketch on the Arab League (Tab C) and biographic data on Azzam Pasha (Tab D).³

Recommendations:

(1) that you stress to Azzam Pasha our hope that the Arab League will increase its efforts in the social and economic fields along the line suggested in Tab A;

(2) that you discuss such points as Azzam Pasha may raise along the lines suggested in Tab B.

[Tab B]

Subjects Which May Arise in Discussions With Azzam Pasha

1. Palestine and Arab-US Relations

At the present time various aspects of the Palestine question are being considered in the General Assembly. The most important aspect, that of Arab refugees, is being discussed in the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly, where the Arabs are attempting to have the General Assembly recommend that Israel should repatriate the refugees. The Arab States believe that while this Government is anxious to force the Arabs into direct negotiations with Israel on matters stemming from the Palestine affair, we are unwilling to put pressure on Israel to repatriate the refugees. This approach would be consistent with the general Arab conviction that U.S. policy is pro-Israel and anti-Arab.

Recommendation: With regard to repatriation, the U.S. supports the principle of repatriation or compensation and resettlement, as set forth in the UN resolutions. In the current General Assembly session we are hopeful that constructive steps will be taken by the UN toward bringing about a solution which will be in the best interests of the refugees and the states directly concerned. The U.S. is neither in a position nor is it willing to apply pressure to either party with respect to this question or the question of direct negotiations. We believe that the political settlement of this problem is the responsibility of Israel and the Arab States and that it can only be achieved through negotiations between the parties. With respect to the Arab States, it should be emphasized that we are impartial as between them and Israel. Since Israel exists as a state in the Near East we must include it in any of our plans for the area.

[Here follows subject 2, dealing with Anglo-Egyptian relations.]

3. Arab Union

Certain member states of the Arab League have been considerably concerned at various times regarding the schemes of Iraq and Jordan to achieve unification with Syria. Azzam has, in general, been opposed to those plans.

Recommendation: The United States, in accordance with its traditional policy of support for self-determination, would favor any plan looking toward further Arab union, provided such a plan came about as the result of the clearly and freely-expressed will of the people concerned. The U.S. would strongly oppose any such plan achieved as the result of force.

[Here follows subject 4, dealing with the former Italian colonies.]

5. Arms for the Arab States

The Arab States, particularly Egypt, are anxious to acquire military equipment. The UK has been supplying Egypt with a considerable amount of such material, but has recently reduced its shipments. The Egyptian Foreign Minister, when in Washington a short time ago, stated publicly that Egypt should receive grant arms from the U.S.

Recommendation: The U.S. has extensive domestic needs and urgent foreign commitments, both of which have severely reduced the amount of military equipment available for sale to other countries. We are, however, licensing the export of arms obtainable from commercial sources in accordance with the Tripartite Declaration of May 25, 1950.

6. Economic Assistance

Azzam Pasha may raise the general question of economic assistance to the Arab States, possibly in connection with loans which have been granted to or are now being considered for Israel.

Recommendation: It is suggested that emphasis be given to our interest in the economic development of the Near East. We are pleased that Egypt has accepted Point IV aid and has submitted a very worthwhile social welfare project as its first request for assistance. We hope that similar arrangements will be worked out with other Arab States. With regard to loans, they are available to all states which apply for them, and we would be very happy to receive and consider applications from the Arab States.

[Here follows subject 7, dealing with French North Africa.]

1. Azzam Pasha had come to the United States on invitation from the General Assembly to attend its sessions as an observer (memorandum of November 14 by Mr. McGhee to the Secretary of State. (786.00/11–2050)
2. Drafted on November 20 by Mr. Stabler and entitled “Subjects to Be Discussed with Azzam Pasha”, not printed. The only subject mentioned is that of the Arab League, with the following recommendation: “The socio-economic problems in the Near East are fundamentally similar and in many of their aspects they can best be approached on a regional basis. Through the Arab League progressive programs can be sponsored with individual Governments which might find it difficult to sponsor unilaterally. River development, health and Point IV in general are examples of how the Arab League could play an active part in the social and economic improvement of the area. We believe the Arab League could make valuable progress in this field and hope that Azzam Pasha, through his great knowledge of the problems, will exert his influence to guide the League in this direction.”
3. Tabs C and D not printed.