501.BB Palestine/6–2548: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United Nations Mediator in Palestine (Bernadotte)1
US Govt desires do all that is proper and possible facilitate your efforts discourage violations paragraph 6 peace proposals. At present time it is continuing pursue a policy inaugurated some time ago of refraining grant passport facilities to American citizens to visit Palestine and Arab countries unless it has been clearly established that their business is of an important and urgent nature and that they do not intend participate directly or indirectly in hostilities in or against Palestine.
Since however Mediator rather than US Govt may determine whether entry of American nationals or other persons proceeding from [Page 1148] US to Palestine and Arab countries would be in contravention of truce terms it is difficult for US authorities effectively to screen persons embarking at American ports for such destinations. It would be appreciated if the Mediator would inform the US Govt whether he desires that screening should be done at time vessels arrive in Near Eastern ports or whether he would prefer send an observer to US for consultation with officials of this Govt regarding screening prior embarkation. US Govt assures Mediator of full cooperation in rendering effective any decision which he may make this connection.
Repeated to USUN as 430.
- Sent to the Consulate General at Jerusalem in telegram 654, “For transmission by such means as available to Count Bernadotte”.↩