Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

501.BB Palestine/12–1747: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

top secret

London, December 17, 1947—6 p. m.

6523. Reciprocating information re US policy arms shipments Middle East (Telmar 42¹) and expanding initial Foreign Office reaction reported Martel 60, December 10,² Michael Wright handed Embassy officer December 15 following top secret memorandum:

Text begins. “HMG has treaty obligations to supply certain Middle East states with war materials. They have regularly supplied such material in accordance with these obligations over number years. Delivery such items ordered under these arrangements some time ago has not yet taken place. It is not intended to hold up delivery such items, which form part previous orders.

“Any new orders from Palestine or Arab countries³ will be scrutinized with great care before decision is taken on them. Decisive factor will be whether war material in question is intended for use in Palestine or is likely to be used there.

“If hostilities broke out in Middle East, whole question of supply and delivery of arms to Middle East countries would be reconsidered.

“British forces intend to abandon no weapons or warlike stores in Palestine in course of their evacuation.

“While Palestine Government continues to exercise its authority, it will continue as at present to take steps to prevent import of arms.

“From moment Palestine Government relinquishes authority it will be for UN Commission to decide on policy with regard to import of arms.” Text ends.

Wright remarked more he thought about it, more he thought Department would be well advised to avoid “superfluous” point three. Basic problem in Palestine as proven by recent disorders is that there are already too many arms hidden away by both sides. HMG does not favor more arms imports.

Douglas

1. December 6, p. 1300.
2. Not printed, but see footnote 3, p. 1301.
3. Telegram 988, December 30, noon, from Ankara, reported that on December 29, the Turkish Foreign Minister informed Ambassador Wilson that “representatives Arab states recently requested Turkish Government supply arms. Turks refused pointing Out this would be violation Turkey’s obligations as member UN; also Turkey receiving arms from US and if Turkey furnished arms to Arabs to combat UN decision supported by US this would place Turkey in impossible situation.” (890B.113/12–3047)