Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 2

501.BB Palestine/5–848: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

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Washington, May 8, 1948—6 p. m.

1673. With reference to my message to Bevin,¹ transmitted in immediately preceding telegram, please endeavor to ascertain from Foreign Secretary whether Shertok’s report of his conversation with Creech Jones accurately reflects British policy and Bevin’s understanding of Abdullah’s intentions. We should also wish to know whether Creech Jones’ statements as reported mean that Bevin feels that further truce effort is unnecessary.

British Embassy has just telephoned that word has been received from Foreign Office, London, to effect that UK Govt welcomes our truce proposals and thinks they are good.

In light of these conflicting reports, it is imperative that we have prompt indication of what Bevin’s real policy is.

Marshall

1. Supra.