501.BB Palestine/7–2748: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
top secret
London, July 27,
1948—8 p. m.
3413. Embassy’s 2785, June 24, paragraph 6.
- 1.
- I was informed by Wright today that in extension of ideas mentioned by him earlier Bevin is sending instructions to Cadogan to initiate this week discussion in SC of the bearing upon the political future of Palestine of (a) international refugee problem in general, and (b) problem Arab refugees.
- 2.
- In telegram sent Cadogan today, as basis for his remarks it is pointed out that Nazi persecution Jews was new factor in Palestine situation which destroyed British hopes of carrying out mandate and led to Arab fears of influx all Jews in Europe. While 200,000 Jewish DP’s plus unknown number Jews now living in Europe are now anxious to go to Palestine, British Govt is inclined to believe that total number might be somewhat reduced if there were “real opportunity for Jews to settle elsewhere”. Consequently His Majesty’s Govt believes there would [should?] be serious effort on international scale to dispose of all European DP’s, Jews and non-Jews and that this would “diminish inter European fears re Palestine and would remove feeling that world is trying to solve problem, which Arabs had no part in creating, at expense of Arabs alone.” Cadogan is to say while SC cannot take practical steps itself, it can call matter to attention ECOSOC in present session.
- 3.
- Re Arab refugees (see 1b above and Embassy’s 3293, July 201) Cadogan has been instructed to invite SC to consider situation Palestine Arab refugees in Europe2 [who?] number not less than 250,000 compared to 200,000 Jewish DP’s in Europe and to inform His Majesty’s Govt that “since position Jewish refugees was [Page 1250] major factor in UNGA deliberations last autumn it is only logical contention that larger problem of the position of Arab refugees should be regarded as major factor in Palestine problem as it now presents; itself”. Consequently UKUN will suggest that SC should ask Mediator to investigate problem Arab DP’s and to make proposals for dealing with it. In particular His Majesty’s Govt believes Mediator should be asked to ascertain whether refugees will be able to return to their homes.
- 4.
- Wright said UKUN has been instructed to discuss its instructions summarized above with USUN assurance of taking action and to report US views.
Sent Department 3413, Department pass USUN.
Douglas