867N.01/11–347: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macatee) to the Secretary of State
497. Reference statement “UK might turn over responsibility to authorities Jewish and Arab states” in infotel October 29, 5 a. m.1
Although Johnson reported as stating October 312 if Arabs do not form government their section might be continued as UN trusteeship, desire emphasize this ConGen unaware any Arab who would accept office in partitioned Palestine thus making himself target for assassination. Therefore if trusteeship is prospect for Arab area it should not be envisaged as short-term arrangement and careful consideration should be given to problem of policing such turbulent area.
Assumption of power by Jews may also be complicated in view dissension and fighting in Jewish community at present over who will govern. Eight wing groups almost certain demand elections under UN auspices as they claim present left wing labor control emanates from unfairly conducted elections in past.
If partition is rejected by Assembly and Zionist hopes dashed, officials here believe terrorism will increase to extent unparalleled in past. [Page 1231] Foregoing uncertain elements not conducive British acceptance request they maintain order in trying period between now and July 1948. Weekend reaction news reports Johnson press conference October 31 summarized:
British officials and businessmen received news with anger or incredulity at what to them our lack understanding either of British or Palestine problem. High ranking police officer added Americans simply fanning flames pan-Islamism for which America may one day pay dearly.
When news of Johnson statements arrived late October 31 in government press room, British correspondents immediately denounced American position with considerable bitterness, telling American correspondents America desired build empire with British doing “dirty work”. Jewish Agency security and intelligence chiefs elatedly informed officer attached ConGen Jewish state now practically set up.
Hebrew press declares Johnson and Balfour declarations will rank together for all time; announces Britain’s maneuvers have failed her miserably and put her in situation where Americans are fixing date her departure for her.
Arab press practically ignores matter except brief reference Difaa saying in effect more American nonsense on subject but hopes American policy will change for better.
- Not printed. It summarized telegram 4578, October 25, to London, p. 1207.↩
- In the question and answer period that followed his remarks of October 31 (see footnote 3, p. 1222), Ambassador Johnson stated: “Naturally the success of this plan would depend in part on acceptance and cooperation of both states, but if, for instance, the Arab State refuses to cooperate, that is no reason why the Jewish State should not have its independence. Then if the mandatory were out, the United Nations would certainly have the responsibility in the form of trusteeship for the other state until they could pull themselves together and fulfill the requirements for independence.”↩