March 10, 1949
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation between The Secretary and the British Ambassador
Subject: Palestine
The Ambassador telephoned to inform the Secretary he had two or three telegrams about Palestine and he thought he should give the Secretary the important information from them. He was asked by his Government to see the Secretary, but he thought he would not trouble the Secretary by coming down at this point. He said the information was for the Secretary and the President.
The Ambassador said that considerable Israli [Israeli] force is moving south in the Negeb [Negev] toward the Gulf of Akaba [Aqaba]. This is not in line with the Security Council. The recent armistice cannot override the Security Council. The British have reports, not yet confirmed, that the Isralis [Israelis] have moved into the Transjordan territory. They hope to hear from UN observers soon about it. What they are saying is that something which looks worrying seems about to happen. The Ambassador said they have given instructions to British forces in Akaba [Aqaba] saying that if the Isralis [Israelis] behave aggressively to British forces, then the aggression will be returned. He said instructions have been sent to the British representative at Haifia [Haifa]asking them to inform the Israli [Israel] Government that we understand this force is moving south and if they do attack British troops, etc., the fire will be returned, or if aircraft fly over British forces they will be engaged. He said the only bit of better information comes from Amman which says the Israli [Israelis] forces broke off at dusk yesterday and retreated westward. They were contacted by a force of the Arab legion. The Ambassador explained he wanted to express to the Secretary the anxiety of his Government and explain what they have done in the situation.
The Secretary thanked the Ambassador for the information. He said he knew the British at Akaba [Aqaba] will behave with restraint and not allow any minor incident to set off the balloon.
The Ambassador said he would use this in a message to his Government
The Secretary told the Ambassador we have had the same reports and have heard also that Bunche has sent down observers. We have also heard that the Isralis say this is not true; they have not crossed the border.
The Secretary said there is no marked frontier and if somebody wanders across it without evil intent, it would be too bad to set off the whole show.
The Ambassador said the important point is, as the Secretary will know, this does touch his people on a very raw nerve.
S:DHM