867N.55/216: Telegram

The Consul General at Jerusalem (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State

183. Referring to my telegram No. 175 of December 2, 10 a.m.

1.
On December 4 the Palestine Government issued an official statement exempting from deportation “as an exceptional act of mercy” the survivors of the steamship Patria but no others. The Chief Secretary has informed me in strict confidence that this was done under a decision of a special meeting of the British War Cabinet, that obviously the decision was the result of further representations of Jewish leaders in London and that it was so worded as to convince the High Commissioner and General Wavell25 that no further discussion of the matter would be entertained.
2.
Jewish reaction was one of high appreciation and hope that the Government could be induced on grounds of humanity and principle (that the Jew is in Palestine as of right and not on sufferance) similarly to exempt the 1800 other refugees who had arrived on the steamship Atlantic. Arab circles naturally argued that the decision was one more example of the power of Jewish influence on the British Government. British officials generally felt “let down” but the Chief Secretary assured me that no further exemptions would be made and that arrangements were being concluded with General Wavell for deporting the 1800 detainees.
3.
Yesterday morning two Dutch ships arrived in Haifa harbor [Page 855] which was closely cordoned. Into them the detainees were hurried under strong police escort and the vessels sailed at nightfall. Today, I have just been reliably informed, they safely transited the Suez Canal. I understand the Red Sea convoy by which the detainees will continue their journey to Mauritius should leave Suez tomorrow morning.
4.
Reaction among Palestine Jews is one of bitter disappointment. As developments became known in Haifa yesterday afternoon a protest strike spontaneously developed. Last night their National Council published a strong condemnation of “this act which has outraged the national and humanitarian feelings of Palestine Jewry”. Today there was a general Jewish strike throughout the country. There is, however, little fear that violent demonstrations will develop. Associated Press correspondent informs me all press cables are held by censor because ship movements are involved.
5.
Meanwhile the number of recovered Patria victims has mounted to almost 60 and on December 7 a commission headed by a British puisne judge was appointed by the High Commissioner to inquire into and report regarding the circumstances of its sinking.
Wadsworth
  1. Gen. Sir Archibald P. Wavell, Commanding General of British forces in the Middle East.