867N.01/11–2647: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Jerusalem
505. Re urtel 546 Nov 26.1 It is assumed that Britain as mandatory power will continue to be responsible maintenance order Palestine until termination Mandate and will afford non-discriminatory protection to all persons there including Americans.
If, however, Brit are unwilling or unable to afford appropriate protection, it would appear that only alternative would be to suggest refugees proceed directly to Haifa. However advice of this character is difficult for Dept to give at this distance and it is believed that decisions may be made by you based on first-hand knowledge actual situation in Palestine.
(Re last para 546) If evacuation becomes necessary by US naval vessel Navy will pay cost passage to southern Italy.
- Not printed; it advised that “Spokesman Palestine Government states temporary shelter such as envisaged in ‘nearest British Army camp’ cannot be afforded unneutral Americans numbering about 4,000 who must share such general protection as may be afforded by presence British troops in country.” (867N.01/11–2647) ↩