Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

867N.113/5–1949

The Department of State to the British Embassy

undated

secret

Memorandum

The Department of State has reviewed the memoranda left by the British Ambassador during his calls of April 27, 1949 and May 17, 1949, relative to the Palestine arms embargo, and before reaching a decision with regard to the questions raised wishes to suggest that immediate conversations be undertaken between the United Kingdom and the United States. These conversations might include the following subjects:

1) Role of the United Nations in the matter (i.e., United Nations Resolutions and Mediator, effect on Palestine Conciliation Commission negotiations, et cetera.)

2) Basic needs of each country in the area for internal security.

3) Needs above those of internal security in connection with both Anglo–United States strategic planning.

4) Political objectives which might be achieved by relaxation of the arms embargo.

5) Coordination of any programs with the Military Assistance program proposed by the United States; possible effect on the proposed Military Assistance Program.

6) Timing, terms and conditions, including financing, of proposed shipments.

7) Possible coordination of any program with the French Government in order to insist that it does not duplicate shipments.

8) Decisions as to which country should make shipments to each State and what each country might contribute toward any plans formulated under point two above.¹

1. This undated memorandum was drafted on May 16 but was not handed to the British until at least 3 days later. Mr. Satterthwaite, in a memorandum of May 19 to the Secretary or the Under Secretary, submitted the memorandum for approval and suggested that when it was handed to the British Ambassador, “you orally make clear that in suggesting these conversations we are not making any commitment relative to a change in our own arms export policy, and are particularly concerned with the possible effect of such a program on current negotiations at Lausanne and the military assistance program shortly to be put before Congress.” (867N.113/5–1949)