867N.01/9–1845: Telegram

The Chargé in Iraq (Moreland) to the Secretary of State

358. British Embassy has received telegram containing text of statement by Senator Gillette on September 13, according to which President [Page 742] Truman authorized Senator to announce that he had written a personal letter to Prime Minister Attlee requesting Britain to permit immediate immigration to Palestine of 100,000 Jews now allegedly in prison camps in Germany. For unknown reasons story not yet released here, but if and when it is we are almost certain to be attacked violently by local press and public with probable condemnation of President’s initiative in matter. It might be helpful if we could have exact text of Gillette’s statement and assignment and advice possible.

Moreland