501.BB Palestine/6–1548
Memorandum by the Director of the Policy Planning Staff (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary: After further study we have concluded, and Mr. Lovett agrees, that no useful purpose would be served by placing the [Page 1114] Palestine question before the NSC at this juncture for a decision of principle.
For the moment, responsibility for seeking a settlement lies with Bernadotte. Until he reports to the UN (which is hardly likely in less than two weeks) on the results of his efforts to mediate between the parties, the UN Security Council will have no major decision to take, unless the cease-fire should be broken.
Work has been put in hand for a study of the alternative courses we would have before us if the cease-fire should be broken or if Bernadotte is not able to achieve a settlement.
The matter is not on the agenda for this week’s meeting of the NSC.1
- This memorandum was initialed by the Secretary of State.↩