867N.01/2–646

Memorandum by the Secretary of State to President Truman 7

Subject: British Government’s Decision Regarding Jewish Immigration into Palestine.

I believe you will be interested to know that the British Government has authorized provisionally the resumption of Jewish immigration into Palestine at the rate of 1500 immigrants per month,8 pending the report of the Anglo-American Committee.

The British Government has twice submitted this proposal to the Arab States, on November 13, 1945 and January 5, 1946. Although no definite answers have been received from the Arab States, the British Government feels that some of the Arab Governments are well disposed toward the British proposal, but are deterred from replying favorably by their hesitancy to support openly a proposal which, whatever its merits, might subject them to the criticism of the Arab League.

The British Government needs such a quota to take care of those of the 900 illegal immigrants now under detention in Palestine who [Page 581] might be found admissible if a quota existed. Also, certain classes of immigrants from Europe for whom the British military authorities have already arranged transport are being held up en route for lack of a quota.

In establishing this provisional monthly quota of 1500, the British Government has indicated that it will give preference to European Jews having a special claim, such as those to whom commitments have been made, or relatives of Jews already established in Palestine.

The British Government is making known its decision informally to the Arab States in the belief that official communications might inspire formal catalogues of objections.

James F. Byrnes
  1. File copy not dated; memorandum drafted on February 6, 1946.
  2. According to telegram 24 of January 4, 1946, from British Prime Minister Attlee to President Truman, and airgram A–23, February 13, from Jerusalem, the quota of Jewish immigration into Palestine had been fixed by the British White Paper of 1939 (British Cmd. 6019: Palestine, Statement of Policy, May 1939) at 75,000. This quota was exhausted as of December 14, 1945. The new monthly quota of 1500 for 3 months commenced as of the following day. From the total of 4500 certificates, deductions were to be made by the British Government for 1350 illegal immigrants and for 700 legal immigrants expected shortly. The Jewish Agency was granted 1,000 certificates for distribution. The Government retained the balance for illegals expected to arrive during the period ending March 14, 1946. (867N.01/1–546, 2–1346)