501.BB Palestine/5–3148: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
secret
London, May 31,
1948—1 p. m.
2367. For the Secretary and Lovett from Douglas.
- 1.
- At a meeting with Bevin this morning, he told me that Egypt’s Ambassador had just called on him to tell him that Egypt is considering response it will make to SC resolution. In this connection Egypt Government is disturbed in relation to their amendment by information to effect that there fare ships at Costanza about to depart with emigrants for Palestine. Egypt Government is also worried lest some Jews known to be in Italy, and who have received military training [Page 1079] there, might also be transported to Palestine. Egypt Ambassador made point that it would be very hard to check whether Jewish men of military age after reaching Palestine are mobilized or given military training during cease-fire.
- 2.
- Bevin assured Egypt Ambassador that UK would hold Jews on Cyprus, and that he would make representations to the Italian Government, and to any other governments which might be concerned, with regard to carrying out the SC resolution. Bevin expressed hope that US Government will take parallel action with the Italian and any other governments involved. Bevin believes this action by HMG and US Government might importantly influence the decision of the Egypt Government.
Sent Department 2367, repeated Rome 140, US Mission Bucharest 23, Cairo 68.
Douglas