467.11St25/44a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Davis)

6124. From information received from the Standard Oil Company in conference British Military Governors of Palestine early in September it was recommended that Standard Company be allowed to retain their seven original claims on the dead sea in as much as development started by building the roads. Shortly after written notice sent Standard Oil representatives in Palestine: “I am directed to inform you that permission cannot be granted for the resumption of your operations in Palestine until the Mandate has been decided. C. H. T. Cox, Lieut-Colonel Assistant Administration.”

This written notice would seem to show connection of their theory of Mandate management with the matter of restraint on consummation of concessions. Advise, therefore, you emphasize effect of our view of Mandate principle in reference to present matter.

Phillips