867N.01/2–1247

The Department of State to the British Embassy

secret

Written Oral Statement 1

The American Government, for domestic and other reasons, would find it easier to support in the United Nations and elsewhere the solution of the Palestine problem calling for partition and the setting up of a viable Jewish state than any other solution at present under consideration.

In case the British Government after careful study and further discussion should come to the conclusion that the partition solution would be unworkable and if it should be successful in working out in consultation with Arabs and Jews a solution, which in its opinion could successfully be put into effect, lying somewhere between the partition plan and the Morrison–Grady cantonization plan, the American Government would be disposed to give such a solution its support.

It would be somewhat difficult in view of the attitude of the American public for the American Government to give support to the cantonization plan as proposed by Morrison–Grady. It would be much more difficult for it to support any solution which does not provide for the entry in the near future into Palestine of at least 100,000 displaced European Jews and for Jewish immigration at a reasonable rate thereafter. It is assumed that the British Government understands that the American Government could not participate in the carrying out of any solution by armed force. The President is planning in the near future to recommend to Congress the enactment of legislation which would permit immigration into the United States of a substantial number of displaced persons in Europe. Such legislation, if enacted, should make it clear to both Arabs and Jews that the United States is prepared on its part to accept an appropriate share of Jewish displaced persons.

[Page 1015]

Since the British Government has special knowledge derived from its many years’ administration of Palestine and since it is engaging in direct conversations with Arabs and Jews, it should be in a better position than any other Government to sense the kind of solution of the Palestine problem which has the best possibility of success. Furthermore, it will bear the primary responsibility for putting into actual operation any plan for Palestine which might be adopted. It would seem, therefore, that the decision as to the solution of the Palestine problem must rest with the British Government.

The American Government, while realizing that the British Government alone can decide the course which it should follow, would regret any decision of the British Government to turn the mandate over to the General Assembly without recommendations. Such a course might well lead to much confusion and violence in Palestine and elsewhere in the Near East.

  1. According to a memorandum of conversation by Mr. Acheson, he read this statement to Lord Inverchapel on January 27 and handed a copy to him. The British Ambassador expressed understanding and satisfaction with the United States position. (867N.01/1–2747)