867N.01/1–2449
Draft of Proposed Statement by the Secretary of State on United States–United Kingdom Attitude Toward the Middle East
Recent news about the Middle East has many encouraging aspects. The announcement today by the French Government of its de facto recognition of Israel is a major contribution to the settlement of the Palestine question. Similarly, the announcement by the British Government of its decision to accord de facto recognition of the Provisional Government of Israel at an early date is a welcome and constructive step, and follows closely upon its recent decision to release the Jewish [Page 692] internees on Cyprus for entry into Israel. The Department of State has closely followed the armistice conversations on Rhodes under the auspices of the United Nations Acting Mediator for Palestine and earnestly hopes that they will come to a successful conclusion. We trust also that the news of peace conversations between Israel and Lebanon, and between Israel and Transjordan, will be borne out by a statesmanlike decision among the Governments concerned to put a permanent end to the hostilities in the Holy Land. This Government, which with France and Turkey, is a Member of the United Nations Palestine Conciliation Commission, stands ready to do its utmost to assist the parties to compose their differences and to find lasting peace. I am delighted that the Honorable Mark Ethridge of Louisville, Kentucky, will serve as the United States Representative on the Conciliation Commission.1
There has recently been a good deal of speculation as to what were said to be differences of view as between the British Government and the American Government on the Palestine question. While at times there may have been differences of opinion in London and Washing ton as how best to deal with the Palestine problem, there has been no difference whatever in our main objective. This Government and the British Government have in fact long been united on the basic policy of increasing the economic well-being and sense of security of the Middle East and have sought to speed the return of lasting peace to Palestine.
Today’s events show that the three Governments have reached a common attitude on an important element of a Palestine settlement and lead us to believe that the close cooperation which marked the work of our Delegations in the General Assembly will be continued.
It is my hope that the work of conciliation will continue and that early in this new year we will find our friends, both in Israel and the Arab States, using their great talents and energy in the constructive work of peace.2