Office of the Historian

Editorial Note

The Clifford Papers contain the ribbon copy of a “Memorandum to Secretary Marshall”, dated September 11, 1948, which deals primarily with the question of extending de jure recognition to the government of Israel. The memorandum bears no indication of authorship. Included also in the Clifford Papers are four undated sheets of notes in the handwriting of Mr. Clifford which are an outline of the memorandum and are at times quoted in it. Three of the four sheets are stamped “Pres[idential] Party”, indicating that they were prepared on the Presidential yacht, the Williamsburg, Matthew Connelly’s Appointment Book indicates that Mr. Clifford was aboard the Williamsburg from September 10 to 12.

Mr. Clifford has acknowledged to the Historical Office that he prepared the memorandum dated September 11 aboard the Williamsburg. [Page 1391] The Clifford Papers do not document whether or not he discussed the paper with President Truman, and Mr. Clifford did not later recall having discussed the paper with the President. (Memorandum of conversation, June 20, 1974, by William M. Franklin, 501.BB Palestine/3–2248)

The Secretary’s messages of August 30 and September 8 to President Truman and the President’s statement of September 9 (see editorial note, page 1380) suggest that the question of de jure recognition of Israel was very much in the thoughts of the White House and the Department of State at this time. Any immediate action to extend such recognition seems to have been ruled out, however, when the Israeli Government announced the postponement of its elections from October 1 to mid-November (the New York Times, September 9, 1948, page 11). The editors are of the belief that the memorandum prepared by Mr. Clifford was not actually sent to Secretary Marshall. It reads as follows:

“Sept. 11, 1948

“Memorandum to Secretary Marshall:

  • “1. As you well know, since becoming President I have consistently favored the establishment of an independent state for Jews in the Middle East. This country has taken a position of leadership in the establishment of such an independent state, and I think it should, continue to take such leadership.
  • “2. It is my belief that strong American support of the new state of Israel will hasten the ultimate settlement of the problem of the Middle East, and will contribute toward the attainment of world peace.
  • “3. We are engaged now in extending economic aid and moral support to the nations of Western Europe, in order to stem the spread of Communism. I consider it necessary, at this time, to lend our same support and extend economic aid to Israel for the same reason.
  • “4. There is ample precedent in international law for the extension of de jure recognition to Israel. This is illustrated by the fact that fourteen nations have extended de jure recognition to Israel since it became an independent state on May 15, 1948. It is my opinion that de jure recognition by the United States will hasten the recognition of Israel by other nations, and this will have a stabilizing effect in the Middle East.

  • “5. In view of the above, it is my wish that the following course of action be taken:

    • “1. Extend de jure recognition to Israel at once.
    • “2. Make loan to Israel just as soon as details can be completed.
    • “3. Take active steps to assist Israel in gaining admission to the United Nations.

“I am preparing now a release announcing the de jure recognition of Israel. I shall submit it to you for suggestions. Kindly keep me advised of progress made in granting the loan, and in the admission of Israel to the United Nations.”