501.BB Palestine/6–248: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
2419. 1. Department’s 2015 of May 31 and 2026, June 1 to London.1 I am gratified that our interpretation of paragraphs 3 and 4 SC resolution May 29 is in line with that of British Government, and I agree that on future questions of interpretation these should be left so far as possible to Count Bernadotte.
2. There is one problem to which I am sure the Department has already given its attention but which might soon come very much to fore—treatment to be accorded Jewish DP’s in American zone Germany [Page 1092] with regard to emigration to Palestine during cease-fire Bevin, although British interest would be served by getting rid of them, took note of query Department’s 1962, May 28, and agreed unconditionally to retain Jews in Cyprus (see Embassy’s 2349, May 29,2 paragraph 4) during cease-fire period and has so advised Arab states. This action may have gone far to achieve Arab acceptance cease-fire.
3. Jews in DP camps in American zone Germany are in position analogous to that of Jews in Cyprus. Am I correct in assuming that until there is a definitive SC ruling to contrary, USG in accordance with its own interpretation of paragraphs 3 and 4 will retain male Jews of military age in our DP camps for period of cease-fire? It seems to me that if in this regard we do less than UK with which USG first raised question, it would be inconsistent with our interpretation and we will create thereby an opportunity for the enemies of US and UK to drive fresh wedge between us. Surely introduction of any kind of manpower of military age builds up a country’s military potential (Department’s 2015, May 31, paragraph 3).
Sent Department 2419; repeated Baghdad 59; Cairo 75; Beirut 25; Damascus 29; Jidda 71; Paris 253; Berlin 167.