501.BB Palestine/7–648: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
3002. 1. Bevin sent Wright to me this afternoon with two “disturbing” telegrams just received by Foreign Office. First is telegram from Amman dated today to effect that Arab Legion command in Palestine has been informed by Colonel Bonde that UN observers will cease to operate in Palestine as of tomorrow (July 7). Kirkbride commented that he has no clue as to reason for this decision but that in circumstances prospects survival truce seem remote.
2. Other telegram is from Troutbeck BMEO Cairo (Embassy’s 2965, July 31) also dated today in which recommendation is made that [Page 1194] Arabs should be made aware British views re resumption arms deliveries, British attitude towards Jewish state, and whether HMG believes Arabs should acquiesce to Mediator’s proposals as basis for negotiations. Troutbeck opined that both Jews and Arabs are poised ready to fight.
3. Wright said HMG is deeply conscious only three days of truce remain and that Bevin wishes to leave no stone unturned in British efforts to extend truce. Consequently, Wright asked me to give on the spot clearance to another “most immediate” telegram to Arab capitals (see paragraph 4 below for summary of this message). Reinforcing points in telegrams described Embassy’s 2989 July 6. Wright stressed Bevin’s anxiety to keep in step with Department and pointed out new element in latest telegram is British advice to Arabs to accept Mediator’s proposals as basis for discussion. Although Foreign Office does not know Department’s considered views re Mediator’s proposals, on basis paragraph 1 Department’s 2552, July 3, Foreign Office assumes that Department is favorably inclined towards them. Time being of essence Wright hoped I would in this instance signify US acquiescence to the despatch of this telegram which in essence is an urgent and further effort HMG to extend truce.
4. Following is summary British telegram: First essence is that truce and cease-fire should be extended. If fighting is resumed on the responsibility of Arab Governments, SC will undoubtedly condemn them and it will be impossible for HMG, which is bound by its obligation to UN, to resume deliveries of arms to the Arabs. A Jewish state is already in effect and has come to stay in some form. Proposals of Mediator offer an opportunity for a solution on lines much more favorable to the Arab Governments than before. If Arabs were to receive added safeguard of guarantees against expansion of frontiers of Jewish state, they would be in better position than under any alternative now possible. HMG therefore considers it is in interests of Arab Governments to acquiesce in Mediator’s proposals as basis for discussion. Governments can suggest modifications if necessary. If Arab Governments disregard these considerations and make themselves responsible for resumption of hostilities all indications are that victory in the field is impossible for them. Indeed possibility of serious military reversals must be taken into account.
5. Since in my view foregoing is clearly in line with our common aim to extend truce, and since I doubt that general character Department’s first impressions of Mediator’s proposals unlikely to alter greatly, I told Wright that I saw no objection to HMG sending above telegram. Foreign Office will despatch this telegram within the hour.
6. It occurs to me that there may be similar occasions in future when [Page 1195] time is vital and when HMG may consult me as above. Since framework of our common ideas re extension truce is now pretty well established, I believe that Department would wish me to act as I have done in above instance so long as HMG sticks to the generally established line. Am I correct in this?2