867N.01/1–3147: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Pinkerton) to the Secretary of State
41. Palestine Government has announced that British women and children and non-essential males will be evacuated so Government and [Page 1024] Army will not be hampered in task of maintaining order. No previous intimation this order was received by this Consulate General.1 High Commissioner2 received me immediately after announcement and told me no similar action was recommended at this time for Americans because terrorist activities are directed primarly at Government and Army personnel and secondarily at British civilians. He said situation is being watched constantly and if necessary adequate protection will be accorded Americans. British officials will be accommodated in prescribed concentration centers and given protection during hours of work. Civilian Government will continue for present. High Commissioner said present action was designed to give Government free hand for any preventive measures necessary without possible embarrassment of having hostages seized.
He said Gruner had refused to proceed with appeal and intimated that further action in his case would not be taken until after evacuation measures had been completed.
My own opinion that there is no immediate danger to American nationals is similar to that of High Commissioner and I recommend that no steps toward evacuation of Americans be taken now except that all necessary space on Marine Carp sailing about mid-February be reserved for Americans who wish to leave.3 Estimated number 345 registered now and I believe this number will not be greatly increased unless civil strife within Jewish community develops.
- According to a memorandum of conversation of February 3 by Mr. Fraser Wilkins, the Department was not informed in advance of these measures (867N.01/2–347).↩
- Lt. Gen. Alan G. Cunningham, British High Commissioner for Palestine.↩
- In telegram 42, February 4, to Jerusalem, the Department concurred that no steps be taken at this time to evacuate American citizens. Mr. Pinkerton was authorized, however, to consult with the Embassies at Athens and Cairo to “fully utilize space Marine Carp accommodate Am citizens and dependents who may wish leave Palestine this time.” (867N.01/1–3147)↩