890D.00/–1847: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
1010. For Gallman. While Dept appreciates explanation Britain’s attitude re Greater Syria question given by Baxter and outlined [Page 744] Embtel 1106 Feb 18, you should reiterate to him at early opportunity our continuing concern over this problem. In discussion with him you may say that we have had numerous reports from throughout Near East indicating serious view which Arab govts take of increasing rumors of Brit support for establishment of Greater Syria under Hashemite ruler. These rumors go so far as to allege that plans are afoot to overthrow or menace by force govts of Near East. It is further alleged that despite Britain’s official neutrality Brit agents are secretly encouraging Hashemite groups. Dept feels that continuing and growing circulation of rumors is having disruptive effect in Arab world which is not to advantage of Britain or ourselves. We receive persistent reports that King Abdullah’s intrigues are a troubling and discordant influence in an otherwise generally constructive trend towards closer Arab League cooperation in the political and economic field.
You may inform Baxter that Dept is sure that Brit Govt would not wish to give impression of actively favoring developments of this character with resultant disturbing effect on situation in Near East.
Sent London repeated Jidda, Cairo, Jerusalem, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, for info.