867N.01/11–3045: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Egypt ( Lyon )
2249. In discussing this Govt’s Palestine policy with Arab or other leaders you should make it plain that full “consultation” with both Jews and Arabs as referred to in my statement of Oct 18 and other statements of policy does not mean prior “agreement” with Jews and Arabs. It is obvious of basic change could be made without the full agreement of both Jews and Arabs very little if any progress could be achieved in the direction of a solution at this time.
The attention of Arab leaders should also be called to the fact that wherever consultation is mentioned in our statements of policy there is a specific reference to consultation with Jews as well as with Arabs.
Allegations have been made in various quarters to the effect that the President, in writing to Mr. Attlee on Aug 31 regarding the displaced Jews in Europe, was proposing that a basic change be made in Palestine without prior consultation with Arabs and Jews. These allegations have apparently been put forward without a careful examination of the wording of the President’s letter, which was made public on Nov 13. The President’s proposal was made for the purpose of obtaining the views of the Brit Govt regarding this pressing problem. Moreover, in my statement of Oct 18, in referring to the President’s exploratory discussions with Mr. Attlee, I said: “Should any proposals emerge which in our opinion would change the basic situation in Palestine, it would be the policy of this Govt not to reach final conclusions without full consultation with Jewish and Arab leaders.”
Sent Cairo reference its 2164 Nov 20 from Eddy, repeated Bagdad58 reference its 461 Nov 29 and 464 Nov 30.59 Repeated also to London, Beirut, Damascus, Jidda, and Jerusalem60 for info and appropriate action.