867N.01/7–2446: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received July 24—8:32 a.m.]
6952. From Grady. Secret and Personal. We are today cabling you complete text of agreement on joint recommendations to both Govts on Palestine and I believe it merits most expeditious consideration and acceptance. The British are anxious to proceed with it without delay in view of developments in Palestine and of the impossibility of allowing situation to continue as it is. British Cabinet is considering transmitting to Arabs and Jews and then making them public proposals contained our agreement as soon as approved by our Govt. They would of course consult you formally on this before action and would contemplate simultaneous publication here and Washington.
Questions raised in your No. 5541 of July 22, 7 p.m. are answered in proposed agreement. Joint committee unanimous in conviction plan agreed to is only realistic solution at this time particularly if any extensive Jewish immigration is to be realized. It leaves ample [Page 652] room for progress toward federation if Arabs and Jews find they can live together in harmony but in present state of tension provides for their segregation which British officials with long experience in Palestine Govt believes essential. Proposed provincial boundaries give Jews best land in Palestine, practically all citrus and industry, most of the coast line and Haifa port. Jewish legitimate demands including large measure of control of immigration and opportunity to develop national home, have been met with exception of Jerusalem and Negev. Christian interests must be taken into full account in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and disposition of Negev is remaining undetermined until its potentialities can be ascertained. I am not convinced that plan has been made so attractive to the Arabs but British are willing to negotiate with them on basis our agreement and as reported in my telegram No. 6913 of July 22 they want to convene appropriate representatives in London at earliest possible date. [Grady]
[In telegram 6956, July 24, 1946, 2 p.m., the Embassy in London transmitted a message from Mr. Grady to Mr. Henderson stating in part: “We have considered every phase of problem and see no practical alternatives to our recommendations. Moreover I seriously doubt under all circumstances that British would be willing to renegotiate on basis some alternatives. They have been most reasonable and completely cooperative.” (867N.01/7–2446)]