Research Memorandum on Creation of a "Palestine Entity"
(May 11, 1964)
This document is the introduction to a more complete
document discussing the creation of a Palestinian entity and the Arab
Summit's creation of the PLO and the Palestine Liberation Front terrorist organization. It mentions
opposition among the Arab leadership (notably Hajj al-Husayni) to these
efforts. The US Deputy Director Denney incorrectly predicts that the
attempt to create a unified Palestinian organization (the Palestine
Liberation Organization [PLO], et al) will fail.
Research Memorandum From the Deputy Director of the
Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Denney) to Acting Secretary of
State Ball1
RNA-12
Washington, May 11, 1964.
SUBJECT
The Search for a "Palestine Entity"
The projected conference of Palestinians now scheduled to take place
in Jerusalem late in May 1964 focuses attention on various attempts
of the Arabs to organize their Palestinian brethren into a group to
represent the common interest. This paper has been produced in response
to a request for a study of the past history and current status of the
Palestine entity question.
Abstract
The Arab states once again are giving prominence to plans for the establishment
of some form of body to represent all the Palestine Arabs. At the Arab
Summit Conference in Cairo in January 1964, Ahmad al-Shuqayri, a Palestinian
long prominent in Palestine Arab affairs, was designated to organize
a so-called "Palestine entity." Thus far, Shuqayri has announced
a "National Charter for Palestine" and a "Constitution
of the Palestinian Liberation Organization." These documents will
be laid before a conference of Palestinians scheduled to open in Jerusalem
on May 28, 1964. He has announced also the formation of a "Palestine
Liberation Front" to be composed of commando units to be kept combat
ready. While Shuqayri has been attempting to gain support for this Charter
and for the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization and
the Palestine Liberation Front, his rivals, notably Hajj Amin al-Husayni,
have been organizing to oppose these schemes with the support of Arab
states opposed to Nasser. The current endeavor to create a Palestine
Entity, like previous attempts, seems destined to become a victim of
the continuing struggle for power among Palestine Arab leaders and of
the contest over the balance of power in the Arab world.
[Here follows the Discussion portion of the paper, followed by copies
of the proposed charter and constitution.]
Notes
1 Source: Department of State, NEA/IAI Files: Lot 69
D 492, POL 3/2, Palestine Entity. Secret; No Foreign Dissem.
Sources: Department of State |