711.673/118
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain (Wright)
Sir: The Department acknowledges the receipt of Mr. Davis’ despatch No. 4287 of March 4, 1921, transmitting copies of a note from the British Foreign Office conceding recognition of American consular jurisdiction in Palestine, pending the coming into force of the Treaty of Peace with Turkey. It is noted that the Foreign Office observes that upon the coming into force of the Treaty and the Mandate for Palestine, the extra-territorial rights enjoyed by foreigners in Palestine will definitely cease to exist.
In expressing the gratification of this Government at the action taken by His Majesty’s Government in this matter, you will take occasion to refer to the statement in the Department’s telegram of February 1, 1921, that the question of the status of the capitulations after the coming into force of the Treaty of Peace with Turkey was reserved for later consideration, and you will indicate that the Government of the United States is not at present disposed to concur in the view of His Majesty’s Government [Page 122] that the régime of the capitulations in Palestine will be terminated as a matter of course when the Treaty and the Mandate become effective.
I am [etc.]