740.00/474: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:40 a.m.]
Department’s September 27, 4 p.m. Authorities here generally believe that in the event of Italy entering war against Great Britain, Mediterranean would be bottled, Palestine becoming outpost canal defense with strong British garrison and ruled under martial law as was effectuated during last war. Acting Attorney General goes further and considers proclamation protectorate for period of hostilities not unlikely.
As a corollary the Arab revolt would be firmly suppressed if not called off as in 1936 on advice of rulers neighboring Arab countries who it is believed would remain loyal to treaties with Great Britain.
Provisioning of the country which is far from self-supporting (for example half annual wheat consumption of 140,000 tons must be imported) would necessarily be from the east.
In these circumstances I envisage no especial problem in connection with protection of American citizens except possibility that a considerable number might wish to return to the United States in which case it might be that the Department would be able to facilitate arrangements for the despatch of ocean transport to Suez or Basra.