Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

867N.01/10–1845

Press Release Issued by the Department of State, October 18, 1945⁷⁰

Baghdad Cairo Jerusalem Beirut Damascus London, October 18, 1945

The Department of State has recently received a number of enquiries as to whether it was true that the U.S. Government had on various occasions expressed the view to Jewish and Arab leaders that they should be consulted before a decision is reached respecting the basic situation in Palestine. In response to these enquiries Secretary of State Janies F. Byrnes made the following-reply:

“Oh several occasions this matter has been the subject of oral and written discussions with various Jewish and Arab leaders. The substance of this Government’s position has been that this Government would not support a final decision which in its opinion would affect the basic situation in Palestine without full consultation with both Jews and Arabs.

“At a press conference today President Truman referred to his exploration with Prime Minister Attlee of ways and means of alleviating the situation of the displaced Jews in Europe, including consideration of Palestine as a possible haven for some of these homeless Jews. There is general agreement that it is our duty to take energetic measures to assist these unfortunate victims of Nazi persecution.

“As the President pointed out today, this matter is still under consideration. Should any proposals emerge which in our opinion would change the basic situation in Palestine, it would be the policy of this Government not to reach final conclusions without full consultation with Jews and Arabs. This policy was stated, for instance, in a letter which President Roosevelt addressed to King Ibn Saud on April 5, 1945 and the text of which I have been authorized to make available.”

The text of President Roosevelt’s letter of April 5 is as follows:

[Here follows text of letter printed on page 698.]

70. Text quoted in telegrams of October 18 to Jidda (311), Baghdad (311), Cairo (1970), Jerusalem (219), Beirut (329), Damascus (65), and London (9239). The telegrams stated in addition: “Text of Roosevelt’s letter of Apr 5 referred to is being transmitted to you in Dept’s immediately following telegram [No. 312, October 18]. In discussions with appropriate officials or in reply to inquiries regarding policy of this Govt toward Palestine you may call attention to Dept’s statement above as well as Roosevelt letter in question.” (867N.01/10–1845)