Office of the Historian

501.BB Palestine/2–2348: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)1

top secret   us urgent
niact
Washington, February 23, 1948—11 p. m.

80. Inform Austin and Rusk immediately. Latter at Hotel Vanderbilt. Following message received from President Truman:

“Your draft statement which it is proposed Senator Austin make before Security Council Tuesday 24 February is approved. In regard to public statement by me I intend to release the following:

‘The Palestina-problem has been, and is the deep concern of this Government. It has been given the most careful consideration by me, the Cabinet, and other responsible Government officials. The US position has been developed through long and exhaustive study and many consultations.

This position has been accurately presented by Ambassador Austin in his speech before the Security Council of the United Nations today.’

Please notify me as soon as Senator Austin has made his presentation to the Security Council.”2

Marshall
  1. The President’s top secret and urgent message was transmitted to Secretary Marshall in telegram Blue 8, at 7:29 p. m. EST February 23 (copy in Elsey Papers).↩
  2. President Truman released his public statement later on February 24, while still aboard the Williamsburg. See Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1948, p. 39.↩