867N.01/1449: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State

276. Halifax invited me to the Foreign Office this morning. He talked to me about some observations they had from Germany to the effect that it was very important that England make whatever concessions were necessary, to make the talks between the industrialists of both countries successful.

He then talked about the Jewish question. He said they had not arrived yet at a definite plan but it looked as though it meant doing away with the present Mandate, having a Palestinian state with the Jews a minority, with immigration allocated for the next 5 years to between 100,000 and 150,000 with 10,000 children additional every 2 years. He was a little hazy on the figures, but said this approximated it; that a round table conference be called in the fall with the Palestinian Jews and Palestinian Arabs and the British to try to work out the formulas for the new state and take up the question of immigration again at the end of 5 years.

He just wanted to give me a bare outline and as you can see this is because they are still talking it over. They are really sparring for time and, I should judge, giving the Arabs the better of it.

The press association tonight carries a statement to the effect that I advised Halifax that American public opinion would be outraged at something or other—I do not know what. Of course I have not given out any statement at all to any press except to deny the above.

I have asked Dr. Wise to come in tomorrow to see if I can get any definite reactions or thoughts and will send them to you. Is there any angle on this that you want covered or have you any suggestions for me to make to Halifax?

Kennedy