501.BB Palestine/8–1748: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
3732. I delivered to Bevin this morning for study and early comment substance Department’s 3187, August 12 and pertinent portions Department’s 3208 August 13. I took opportunity to speak to Bevin along lines final paragraph Department’s 3208 making it clear that Department’s considered views regarding Embassy’s 3567 August 6 would be forthcoming.
2. Bevin said he would reconsider problem in light of Department’s caution “to go very slowly” but he pointed out that this placed him in a serious difficulty. Britain has personnel stationed Iraq and Transjordan whose lives might be jeopardized at any time. He wondered whether in circumstances US would be willing to deny its soldiers adequate weapons for their defense.
3. Later today Bevin asked to speak to me again. He had received in the meantime two telegrams from Dow in Jerusalem reporting Jewish seizure Government House ridge which is summarized mytel 3731.1 These telegrams as might be expected, reopened in minds of Bevin and British military grave possibilities set forth Embtel 3567 August 6.
4. Bevin referred to his statements to me this morning (Paragraph 2 above) and expressed hope that I would emphasize to Department the difficulties which latest Jewish action has created for him. He asked me to urge Department to consider whether, since Department has asked him to hold his hand regarding arming British bases in Middle East, USG could itself take some immediate and forceful steps with PGI to halt Jewish mailed fist. If something of this kind is not done immediately Bevin inclined to belief that not unlikely result will be complete change of balance in Palestine and the disappearance of the Arab Legion which is incapable of resisting determined Jewish attack because ammunition and other shortages. Should this occur disintegration of Transjordan would probably closely follow.
5. Bevin asked urgently whether he should not now move ammunition for defense of British airfields and British troops stationed there. At my request he agreed to hold his hand until word received from you which he fervently hopes you can send by tomorrow, the 18th.
[Page 1320]6. Please advise me also what reply I can make to Bevin with particular regard to our representations to PGI as this is related to Paragraph 5 above. If we take action which will restrain PGI British will not feel so strongly that they are leaving their own troops defenseless.
- Dated August 17, not printed.↩