Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Near East and Africa, Volume VII

867N.01/5–1946: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Harriman)

secret
us urgent

Washington, May 19, 1946—noon.

4136. For your info following is text of memorandum regarding Palestine⁴⁷ which is mentioned in our no. 4074 of May 16,⁴⁸ of which Brit Emb was handed copy for transmission to London:

“In inviting comments and suggestions on report of Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry, Govt of US desires to make the following observations:

1. Report is advisory in character, consequently, its recommendations are not binding. However, US Govt is giving careful consideration to report in view of standing of members of Committee, of fact that report was unanimously approved by them and of fact that they were entirely free to arrive at any conclusions which to them seem fair and reasonable. US Govt will also give careful consideration to views of Govts and organizations which it is now consulting. Judging from preliminary reactions to report in various quarters, criticism is to be expected. In view of importance of this problem and sincere desire of US to arrive at a policy with regard to Palestine which will be both humane and just, this Govt greatly hopes that general character and trend of observations and suggestions may, so far as possible, be of a constructive nature.

2. By means of participation of American citizens in work of Committee, and through present consultation, Govt of US is seeking info and assistance looking to formulation of its policy on several difficult and complex problems. It readily recognizes that other Govts and organizations will have their own respective attitudes in regard to these questions which may or may not be similar to attitude which shall be adopted by US. US Govt is grateful for cooperation and help which have already been accorded to Committee of Inquiry and hopes that assistance and collaboration will continue to be forthcoming as these matters develop. US Govt, for its part, will be prepared at all times to reciprocate to best of its ability many courtesies which have been afforded to its citizens and representatives by interested Govts and groups.

3. The interest of US in questions considered in report is believed to be legitimate and is based upon following:

(a) Compassion for and a desire to assist victims of Nazi and Fascist persecution, both Jews and non-Jews.

(b) The fact that for a number of years American citizens have been contributing substantial assistance to upbuilding of Jewish National Home in Palestine, and that there is every reason to expect that their interest will continue.

(c) The deep interest which the American Government and its citizens have in maintaining and promoting mutually beneficial and harmonious relations between US and countries of NE in political field, in education and other cultural activities, in trade, and in economic development.

(d) The value placed by US upon contributions which NE countries have made and will doubtless continue to make to the cause of world peace and prosperity and to upbuilding and effectiveness of international organization created for these purposes.

4. This Govt will be glad to receive comments and suggestions regarding report as a whole or any part of it, and would be grateful if these could be received, at latest, 30 days from today.”

Acheson

47. The memorandum here quoted was approved by President Truman on May 18, and sent as a circular telegram to Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo, Jidda, and Jerusalem on May 19, 9 a.m.
48. See footnote 42, p. 607.