867N.01/5–146: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 1—1:58 p.m.]
4650. At close of question hour in Commons this afternoon Prime Minister24 made statement on Palestine report. Text obtained from Foreign Office reads as follows:
“His Majesty’s Government desire to express their appreciation for the care and trouble which the Committee have devoted to the preparation of the report. They hope that it will prove to be a notable contribution to the solution of the problems of Palestine and of the Jews in Europe both of which they have so much at heart.
“His Majesty’s Government received the report only last week. His Majesty’s Government and the US Government jointly appointed [Page 590] the Committee and the report is addressed to both Governments. His Majesty’s Government are now studying it and will consult with the Government of the US as soon as possible.
“The report must be considered as a whole in all its implications. Its execution would entail very heavy immediate and long-term commitments. His Majesty’s Government wish to be satisfied that they will not be called upon to implement a policy which would involve them single-handed in such commitments and in the course of joint examination they will wish to ascertain to what extent the Government of the US would be prepared to share the resulting additional military and financial responsibilities.
“The report recommends that 100,000 certificates for the admission of Jews to Palestine should be awarded immediately, so far as possible in 1946, and that actual immigration should be pushed forward as rapidly as conditions permit. The practical difficulties involved in the immediate reception and absorption of so large a number would obviously be very great.
“It is clear from the facts presented in the report regarding the illegal armies maintained in Palestine and their recent activities that it would not be possible for the Government of Palestine to admit so large a body of immigrants unless and until these formations have been disbanded and their arms surrendered. As the report points out private armies constitute a danger to the peace of the world and ought not to exist. Jews and Arabs in Palestine alike must surrender their arms. The Committee have drawn attention to the failure of the Jewish Agency to cooperate in dealing with this evil and have expressed the view that the Agency should at once resume active and responsible cooperation with the mandatory power. His Majesty’s Government regard it as essential that the Agency should take a positive part in the suppression of these activities. They hope that both Jewish and Arab leaders will give patience and restraint. His Majesty’s Government recognize that decisions must be taken as soon as possible but meanwhile the House will understand that I am unable to make any further statement.”
[Here follows an account of further discussion in the House of Commons.]
- Clement R. Attlee.↩