867N.01/5–2248: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
2213. For Lovett from Douglas. I am convinced that crevasse widening between US and Britain over Palestine cannot be confined to Palestine or even to Middle East: It is already seriously jeopardizing foundation-stone of US policy in Europe—partnership with a friendly and well-disposed Britain. Irrespective rights and wrongs of question, I believe worst shock so far to general Anglo-American concert of policy since I have been here was sudden US de facto recognition Jewish state without previous notice of our intentions to British Government. Far beyond substance of act of de facto recognition, for which there is ample justification, was manner in which British Government and people have been shaken by what is here regarded as unilateral and precipitate US action deeply affecting a common problem in which US and UK have basically common interests—peace in Palestine and Middle East.
Worst prospect I can see on horizon American-British relations is possibility that we may raise embargo on Middle East arm shipments to favor Jews. If we do so, it will be only short step until British Government, impelled by what it conceives to be its vital interests in Middle East extending as far as Pakistan (see Embassy’s 2138, May 17 and Embassy’s 2161, May 191) may lift embargo re arms to Arabs. When this happens, the two great democratic partners will indirectly be ranged on opposite sides of a battle line scarcely three years after May 8, 1945.
Bevin who has been at Scarborough2 has asked to see me tomorrow morning re Palestine.3