867N.01/9–1945
Memorandum by the War Department to Department of State
Washington
, 19 September,
1945.
Attention: Frederick B. Lyon, Chief, Division of Foreign Activity Correlation
- 1.
- The following comments are offered in reply to your memorandum, same subject, dated 30 August 1945.39
- 2.
- The force required to maintain order in Palestine and nearby countries in the event that lowering the bars against Jewish immigration should result in disturbances and/or armed intervention on the part of the Arabs would probably mean a force of 400,000 men actively employed.
- 3.
- From the military standpoint, it is estimated the British are at present in a position in the Middle East to provide the equivalent of four divisions of the force. Information is not available concerning the demobilization and repatriation of forces in the Middle East contemplated by the British which would result in consequent reduction of the British capability to assist in maintaining order. The willingness of the British to participate in such a project is not known to the War Department. Because of the lack of knowledge of British plans and attitude, only a very general estimate can be made of the possible U.S. commitment. It appears that it would be at least four or five divisions with supporting air and service forces, or a total of over 200,000 men, and it might be over 300,000. The commitment would continue for an indefinite period.
- 4.
- The repercussions of introduction of U.S. forces into Palestine in Connection with the project mentioned in your memorandum would include an indefinite delay in demobilization of U.S. Army forces. On the reasonable assumption that British and probably French commitments to the Middle East would be increased by resulting disturbances and by participation in operations in this area, there would be a [Page 743] consequent decrease in Allied capability to assist in carrying the burden of occupying Japan and Germany. This would probably result in a consequent, increase in U.S. military commitments with its corresponding effect on U.S. demobilization.
For the Secretary of War:
A. D. Reid