Correspondence Exchanged with the Islamic Congress in Jerusalem
His Majesty and the Palestine Question
From the Saudi Broadcasting Delegate
On board the Prince Saud steamer – 20 February 1954
A sea voyage aboard an elegant vessel, far from the city with its noise and crowds, surrounded only by the vast expanse of the sea and the high open sky, is not an opportunity that often presents itself. It is usually a welcome occasion for rest, relief from work, and quiet contemplation. Yet when the traveler is a king—burdened with responsibilities, entrusted with great duties, and constantly engaged in thought—rest becomes even more necessary, and repose more justified.
However, His Majesty—may God preserve him—is the very opposite. He regards such moments as opportunities for work and occasions for deeper reflection. His Majesty remains wholly devoted to the affairs of the state, directing his thoughts toward every matter that may advance the nation’s progress, dignity, and well‑being. He is concerned with all that ensures security, stability, prosperity, and the establishment of complete justice among his people—qualities for which he is known: wisdom, sound judgment, and sincere devotion to his loyal subjects.
His Majesty’s concern is not confined to the affairs of his own kingdom. Muslims in the East and West, North and South, in every land, look to him as a fortress of Islam and a guardian of the noble Sharia. He offers them guidance and counsel, defends them with honor, and shields them from oppression and tyranny.
Recently, a conference of refugee representatives convened in Jerusalem. The delegates turned with their hearts and minds toward the great King, and the refugee representatives sent His Majesty the following telegram:
Telegram from the Refugee Delegates
“To His Majesty King Saud the Magnificent”
The refugee delegates meeting today at the headquarters of the Islamic Congress in Jerusalem reject any attempt to resolve the Palestine question without consulting the refugees and obtaining their approval. They declare that the only solution they accept is the return of the refugees to their homes and compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of the brutal Zionist aggression.
Signed:
The Executive Office for Refugee Affairs
At the Islamic Congress in Jerusalem
His Majesty’s Reply
His Majesty, the exalted King—may God preserve him—immediately sent the following telegram in response:
“To the Refugee Delegates at the Executive Office for Refugee Affairs, Islamic Congress – Jerusalem”
We thank you for upholding your principle, which is the principle of every Arab and every Muslim. This is our declared objective, and we affirm that no agreement with the Jews is possible except after the refugees are returned to their lands, homes, and properties, and after all their national rights are fully preserved. This is what we have openly stated and what we are working to achieve. Whoever acts contrary to this is a traitor to his homeland and his religion.
Source
Al‑Hajj Magazine
Vol. 8, Part 9
Rabi‘ al‑Awwal 1374 AH – November 1954