867N.01/784: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 12—5 p.m.]
Local reaction one of intense interest and feeling but no serious disturbance public security anticipated.
Discussion centers on Commission’s finding that mandate is unworkable and consequent recommendation for partition.
All Arabs accept the finding; all Jews repudiate it arguing fault lies with administration.
In both camps divergent views are held on the recommendation. Among Arabs Mufti refuses in principle and declines in practice to consider it; Emir Abdullah19 urges acceptance on ground realities must be faced but wants modification of proposed boundary and Arab administrations in neutral enclave; Nashashibi20 side-steps principle willing negotiate for favorable modifications. Among joint ownership [sic] general Zionists refuse in principle but imply would accept in practice if modifications made to include in Jewish State new Jerusalem and Jordan colonies, afford opportunity to develop Negev and avoid subvention to Arab State; important group of Labor Zionists while urging similar modification reported willing to accept what they can get.
Iraq Government’s statement categorically opposing partition believed based on combination sympathy and curiosity, [sic] strengthen internal position greatly fortifies Mufti’s stand.