Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

867N.01/2–1047: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

secret

Washington, February 10, 1947—9 p. m.

680. For Gallman from Henderson. Brit Emb has furnished us summary of Bevin’s proposals to Jews and Arabs and has sent Secretary courteous and enlightening personal message from Bevin. Matter (urtel 898 Feb 10¹) being studied here with deep interest.

It would be helpful to us in this connection if you would informally inquire with re following and telegraph replies:

1. Are we correct in understanding that areas of local administration are being determined on basis racial or religious complexion of population without consideration being given to economic factors or to potential economic development or settlement factors?

2. If so would Arab majority in what are now predominantly Arab areas have right to use their local administrative jurisdiction over land transfer so as to prevent settlement by Jews in those areas during period of trusteeship even though certain lands in those areas are particularly well suited for settlement?

3. In considering economic absorptive capacity of Palestine during final three years of trusteeship is it proposed to include capacity of areas predominantly Arab as well as those predominantly Jewish?

4. If not how would it be possible effectively to answer charges which Jews might make that it would be in keeping with the spirit of the mandate to consider absorptive capacity of Palestine as a whole and not merely of certain sections in which there are already substantial Jewish settlements?

5. Is it contemplated that virtually all areas must be considered substantially Arab or substantially Jewish or is it contemplated that some areas should be for time being under control of trusteeship government and open to settlement in accordance with absorptive capacity?

6. Is special provision being made for holy places and is any consideration being given to interests of groups who are neither Arab nor Jewish? [Henderson.]

Marshall

1. Not printed.