867N.00/10–2945

The Consul at Jerusalem (Hooper) to the Secretary of State

No. 2253

Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch no. 2227 of October 13, 1945,2 on the political situation during the first part of the current month, wherein I reported that the incidents occurring at Kfar Giladi, Athlit, Yajour and Montefiore3 were, in the opinion of the Chief Secretary for Palestine, instigated and carried out by the Hagana.4 [Page 804] These incidents provoked the tension and unrest that prevailed in the country until the arrival of considerable military reinforcements about mid-month, after which time the tension has lessened but the unrest continues subsurface.

I have been reliably informed that at the height of the tension, namely up until October 20, the High Commissioner Lord Gort called three members of the Jewish Agency Executive Committee to his residence and spoke sternly and disapprovingly of the recent incidents resulting from illegal immigration. It appears that he stated emphatically that any such acts of militant nature could easily be dealt with as he, the High Commissioner, had ample military forces at his disposal and that he meant to use them whenever necessary. He is credited to have accused the Jewish Agency of “rattling the saber” and that as a profession solider he knew something of the same art.

While illegal immigration continues, there have been no further incidents to report, and it is surmised by those whose business it is to keep in touch with both political and enforcement personalities in Palestine that the policy of “temporary blindness” will continue until the Prime Minister’s statement is known. It is a fair assumption, therefore, to believe that the British will avoid any incidents which might result in clashes and that this policy of restraint will be continued as indicated.

The authorities insist that even when the policy will have finally been announced that other than terrorist outbreaks are not anticipated. It may be impossible to avoid clashes with the Yishuv5 once the authorities undertake firm suppression of illegal immigration.

Respectfully yours,

Malcolm P. Hooper
  1. Not printed.
  2. This refers to a series of clashes between Jews and police, for the most part not involving gunfire. These arose as a result of attempts by the Palestine Government to cope with the problem of illegal entry into Palestine by Jewish immigrants.
  3. Secret military organization of the Jewish Agency; though technically illegal, it generally enjoyed the status of a legitimate Jewish “home defense force”.
  4. The Jewish community in Palestine.