Office of the Historian

867N.01/2–1447: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority
London, February 14, 1947—5 p. m.

1033. British delegate supplied this morning following information re-Palestine developments:

1.
British delegate and JA Delegation met yesterday for one and one-half hours. Creech Jones opening meeting said that British Delegation had examined reactions both Arabs and Jews to British proposals and found both sides uncompromising. Consequently, British Delegation could only report their situation to Cabinet and seek its further instructions.
2.
JA Delegation restated its requirements for Palestine in following order of preference:
(a)
British Govt should turn western Palestine into Jewish state at once.
(b)
If above not possible, British should administer mandate as they did prior 1938 until Jews secure majority, at which time Jews would be prepared to consider an independent Palestine.
(c)
As last resort, Jews would be prepared to consider viable Jewish state in adequate area indicated at meeting between representatives JA Delegation and representatives British Delegation February 11 (Embassy’s 1005, February 13). 3. British Delegation replied that it could not agree to any of the three alternatives outlined by JA, and with regard to last British Delegation did not believe that Palestine could be divided into two viable states.
4.
Mood of JA Delegation was described as subdued and resigned. British delegate spoke soberly and with finality, and said that this meeting would be “last of present series with JA Delegation.”
5.
JA Delegation has not yet submitted its objections to British proposals to British Delegation in writing1 (Embassy’s 1005, February 13, paragraph 4).
6.
British Delegation and Arab Delegation will meet this afternoon.
7.
British Delegation anticipates next move will be statement on Palestine in Commons, possibly Monday which will be followed by Palestine debate towards end week.
8.
Results Cabinet meeting today not yet available.

Gallman
  1. The text of the reply of the Jewish Agency, dated February 13, was transmitted to the Department in despatch 3943, February 21, from London (867N.01/2–2147).↩