Situation in Palestine – Presence of Saudi Arabian troops – Communication between SecCo President and Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia

CABLEGRAM DATED 18 MAY 1948 FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL ADDRESSED TO THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF SAUDI ARABIA, AND REPLY THERETO SUBMITTED BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SAUDI ARABIA ON 22 MAY 1948

THE SECURITY COUNCIL AT ITS 295TH MEETING HELD ON 18 MAY DECIDED TO ADDRESS TO YOUR GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING QUESTIONS QUOTE

(A) ARE ARMED ELEMENTS OF YOUR ARMED FORCES OR IRREGULAR FORCES SPONSORED BY YOUR GOVERNMENT NOW OPERATING (1) IN PALESTINE, (2) IN AREAS (TOWNS, CITIES, DISTRICTS) OF PALESTINE WHERE THE JEWS ARE IN THE MAJORITY.

(B) IF SO, WHERE ARE SUCH FORCES NOW LOCATED AND UNDER WHAT COMMAND ARE THEY OPERATING, AND WHAT ARE THEIR MILITARY OBJECTIVES.

(C) ON WHAT BASIS IS IT CLAIMED THAT SUCH FORCES ARE ENTITLED TO ENTER (1) PALESTINE, (2) AREAS (TOWNS, CITIES, DISTRICTS) OF PALESTINE WHERE THE JEWS ARE IN THE MAJORITY, AND CONDUCT OPERATIONS THERE.

(D) WHO IS NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXERCISE OF POLITICAL FUNCTIONS IN THE AREAS OF PALESTINE WHERE THE ARABS ARE IN THE MAJORITY.

(E) IS SUCH AUTHORITY NOW NEGOTIATING WITH JEWISH AUTHORITIES ON A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT IN PALESTINE.

(F) HAVE THE JEWISH FORCES VIOLATED YOUR FRONTIERS AND PENETRATED YOUR TERRITORY.

REPLY

SAUDI ARABIAN DELEGATION

UNITED NATIONS

NEW YORK

9 East 62nd Street

22 May 1948

The President

of the Security Council

Lake Success, New York

Sir,

I have the honour to enclose the answers to the questions which were sent to my Government by cablegram on 18 May 1948.

Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

21 May 1948

A. 1 – Yes

B. Saudi Arabian forces are now operating in the south of Palestine under Arab Command.  The Saudi Arabian Government has already declared that their military operations are directed only against the terrorist Zionist bands who are armed with the latest and most destructive weapons.  Saudi Arabia has no other object in view except to put an end to this state of anarchy and to restore peace, order and security in Palestine.

C. The neighbouring Arab Governments who are members of a regional organisation known as The Arab League, consider themselves responsible for the maintenance of peace and order in an area vital to their security.  However, their armed forces have entered Palestine to help their brethren, the Palestinian Arabs, only after they have been requested to do so by the majority of the inhabitants of the Country.

D. Arab armed forces have now taken over control and established authority in every area entered by them.

E. The declaration of a so-called Jewish State in an undetermined part of Palestine has blocked the way to any understanding between Arabs and Jews for finding a solution to the problem.

F. No.  However, Saudi Arabia considers any acts of violence or attack against any of her sister Arab Countries, as an act directed against her.

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