867n.01/446: Telegram

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

349. Your 356, November 24, 10 a.m. Department is at loss to understand the reason for delay in exchange of ratifications of Palestine Convention. Embassy’s note, based on Department’s instruction of October 13, was a reply to the Foreign Office communication of that date and does not necessitate further correspondence or require any other action than formal exchange of ratifications.

In note of October 13 Foreign Office stated “It is desirable from every point of view that the exchange of ratifications should take place with the least possible delay”. To meet this desire, and because the Department appreciated the difficulty of attempting final determination of the conflicting legal viewpoints advanced, the assurances in British note were accepted as a basis for exchange of ratifications.

With existing troubled situation in the mandate territories, it is important for the Department to know promptly whether it can depend upon treaty arrangements for the determination of its rights.

Orally present these considerations to Foreign Office and endeavor to arrange prompt exchange of ratifications. Telegraph result of your representations.

Kellogg