501.BB Palestine/9–1147: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Hawkins) to the Secretary of State
4931. From recent talks with Neumann (Embassy’s 4921, September 111), Goldmann (Embassy’s 4922, September 111), and Horowitz, all of whom have approached Embassy recently, it appears that primary concern of moment to JA leaders and experts is implementation of UNSCOP majority plan. All seem to take for granted UNGA approval of majority plan since it has been formulated by impartial group appointed by UNGA. They appear worried, however, by repeated statements to effect that British Government will not implement UNGA decision alone. JA is apparently now studying possibility of Jews taking care of implementation unaided. Horowitz spoke of 3 to 6 months being enough time for British to get out and for Jews by themselves to consolidate frontiers drawn in UNSCOP majority plan: Goldmann mentioned 6 to 12 months. Horowitz hoped that Jews would in this event be allowed to import arms and munitions during interim period. All seem confident that Jews can take care of Palestine.
(2) Persons named above all seem to regard Bevin as number one enemy of Zionism.
(3) Same sources agree that since British Government seems likely to stand aside in UNGA, or at least to accept UNGA decision, success or failure of UNSCOP majority plan will largely rest upon attitude US Government adopts towards it. They are confident that US Government would support majority plan if a declaration to this effect were enough. However, they are worried by fact that in this instance US will very likely be called upon as UN member to accept at least its proportional share of responsibility for implementing plan. Of US willingness to accept responsibility they are less confident. For this reason, Embassy understands that JA contemplates between present and UNGA decision an intensive educational campaign in US in favor of majority plan.
[Page 1146]Sent Department 4931; repeated Baghdad 57; Cairo 97; Beirut 29; Jidda 51.
Department please pass to Jerusalem 66.