Office of the Historian

501.BB Palestine/10–1947: Telegram

The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macatee) to the Secretary of State

secret
Jerusalem, October 19, 1947—10 a. m.

455. While Arab and Jewish reactions to Johnson speech have been obvious, following details may be of interest:

1.
Jewish Agency security chief in talk with officer of ConGen stated US introduction of resolution for acceptance majority report even more heartening to Jews than Johnson statement as this indication of US intention to back words with action.
2.
Jewish press at moment follows same line though publicity is given to despatch of Palestine Post New York correspondent that “many observers feel real tests of American intention will be shown by amount of pressure on Britain to fall in with majority”.
3.
Arab bitterness at Americans is apparent on all sides. Press throws out daily challenges to US rather than to UN. As indication of feeling it may be noted that not one Arab organization or newspaper has expressed any regret at bombing of ConGen.1 There has been no editorial mention of incident in Arab press, a pro-American Arab friend says incapable of believing as mind refuses register what words of statement say and this believed attitude of all Arab friends.
4.
Reaction British varied. While police consider statement harmful British position here and increases urgency British withdrawal, high official of civil govt thinks American position sound because offers basis for solution. Considers some kind of solution imperative, preferring imperfections to no solution at all Does not see “period of anarchy” mentioned in press inevitable if UN will appoint small international commission take over govt for interim period utilizing governmental machinery which British would leave behind and presumably employing such British administrators as might wish remain in such an organization. Confirms great fear now prevalent in Yishuv and considers Arab world profoundly shocked by realization no western power champions their clear-cut and unassailable cause.

Macatee
  1. Telegram 440, October 13, 1 p. m., from Jerusalem, reported that the U.S. Consulate General in that city was bombed at 12:15 p. m., October 13 (125.491/10–1347).↩