867N.00/377: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Bingham ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 4—12:55 p.m.]
420. A letter from Mr. Ormsby-Gore, the Colonial Secretary, to Dr. Weizmann, President of the Jewish Agency and the World Zionist Organization, was published today, in which the Colonial Secretary denies reports current in Palestine that terms of settlement accepted by the Higher Arab Committee, have received the approval either of the British Government or the High Commissioner. The letter says:
“No such terms have been agreed to either by the High Commissioner or by His Majesty’s Government. Moreover, there is no foundation for the suggestion which is referred to in the letter addressed on August 31st by the Jewish Agency to the High Commissioner that the High Commissioner has authorized Nuri Pasha18 to give assurances regarding the measures, including the suspension of immigration, to be taken after the cessation of the disturbances.…18a No promises have been made to Nuri Pasha by the High Commissioner or by His Majesty’s Government as regards … the suspension of immigration.”
This letter has been interpreted in the press as meaning that the Government has decided not to suspend Jewish immigration to Palestine pending the restoration of order. The Colonial Office this afternoon [Page 449] stated informally to the Embassy that this interpretation is erroneous and in their opinion not justified by the terms of the letter. It was stated that no decision has yet been made one way or the other regarding the suspension of immigration to Palestine.
The War Office has announced that the despatch of military reenforcements to Palestine is under consideration.