501.BB Palestine/12–347: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)
586. For Johnson from Lovett. Although press reports suggest that SYG contemplates UN Palestine Commission assuming its functions in near future we much prefer to adhere to UK’s timetable set forth in Deptel 578 November 281 which you were authorized to support in Deptel 581 November 29.1
We feel initiative in this respect rests with UK but we have no objection to you, after consultation with Cadogan, making known to SYG or representatives of States on Palestine Commission our view that advantages of Britain maintaining the Mandate to May 15 far outweigh possible advantages of Commission actually undertaking its duties in Palestine before May 1.
This should not preclude the Commission actively undertaking its work of organization and initiating detailed conversations with the Mandatory Power with a view to taking over after UK withdrawal. Such conversations might profitably be carried out by the Commission in London, and should include talks also with representatives of the Jewish Agency and the Arab Higher Committee.
You should make it very clear to Cadogan that in agreeing with British timetable we confidently assume UK will furnish utmost facilities by way of advice and continuing cooperation to the Commission from the moment of its creation.
(Repeated to London for the Secretary as 5067, Secdel 1531.)