The Palestine Zionist Executive has issued a statement with reference to the following remark, alleged to have been made by King Hussein to a delegation of Palestinian orthodox Jewry:
“I consider the irreligious Zionist policy as unjust towards Moslems, Christians and orthodox Jews. As a servant of righteousness, I will very strongly oppose this irreligious policy through the help of the whole Islamic world.”
When this was published on March 14th in the “Falastin”, Colonel Kiach despatched a telegram to the Foreign Minister of King Hussein, Fuad Bey el Khatib, inquiring as to its correctness. A telegraphic reply was received denying the correctness of the report.
In view of the importance of the matter, the Secretary of the Political Department of the Zionist Executive proceeded to Amman with a letter from Colonel Kisch to the Foreign Minister, requesting the publication of an official denial. The following reply was received by Colonel Kisch from the Foreign Minister:
“I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 16th, regarding the statement reported in the issue of the Falastin of March 14th, which His Majesty the Caliph is alleged to have made to a Jewish delegation as I have already informed you in my telegram and as I have stated to Captain Jacobs, the above mentioned statement is absolutely without foundation, for His Majesty never made such a statement in his meeting with that delegation. An official communique is being published in the next issue of “El Shark El Arabi” a copy of which is being sent to you herewith.”
As an illustration of Arab diplomacy, a total different answer was given to the Secretary of the Arab Executive on the same matter, when the latter wrote to the Foreign Minister as follows:
“Doar Hayom published that His Majesty said to the Zionist Samuel Levy: ‘This land is yours. If you have any request, let me know it so that I may issue orders for its fulfilment. The Jews and Arabs are brothers, they must work in peace and union. I wish sincerely for the welfare of the country, etc.’ Also your denial
to Colonel Kisch about His Majesty’s declaration to the orthodox Jews Representative has grieved public opinion. Cable the truth.”
To this, the Foreign Ministered replied:
“With reference to your cable, signed by the secretary, although there is no reason for hurrying the telegram, we announce to you the necessity of a denial.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
