867N.01/1743

The Under Secretary of State (Welles) to the British Ambassador (Halifax)

My Dear Mr. Ambassador: On May 6 Rabbi Stephen S. Wise telephoned to me and made a very earnest request that we urge the British Government to permit the Jews to form a regiment and a home guard in Palestine.

Rabbi Wise gave as the reason for his plea the unstable situation in the Near East and his fear that the Jews in Palestine are in imminent danger.

I desire simply to acquaint you with Rabbi Wise’s approach to me regarding the matter.

I am, my dear Lord Halifax,

Sincerely yours,

Sumner Welles