867N.01/1–2949: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
urgent
350. Foreign Office issued following communiqué 11 a. m. London time today:
“HMG in UK have decided to accord de facto recognition to the Government of Israel. They hope to arrange with that government for the early exchange of representatives.”
2. Final decision this connection was taken late January 28.
3. Bevin will receive Linton, Israel representative at 12:30 to inaugurate UK–Israel relations with “friendly words.” Marriott1 has been instructed to deliver same message to Shertok in Tel Aviv.
4. Fact de facto recognition does not in any way effect determination Israel frontiers is being made clear in Foreign Office spokesman guidance to press. Spokesman will refer to many outstanding questions arising from former British mandate which remained to be worked out with Israel and which UK hopes can be settled with Israel at early date. Re de jure recognition, spokesman will say that this will be considered in the light these discussions establishment of frontiers and general development of situation in Palestine.
- Cyril Marriott, British Consul General at Haifa.↩