867N.01/11–1945
Memorandum of Conversation Between the Secretary of State and the British Ambassador (Halifax)
Lord Halifax called at his request to see the Secretary at 4 p.m.
The Secretary told Lord Halifax of the difficulties in connection with the bill about to be introduced in the Senate restating the American position on Palestine. This bill would cause a lot of anti-British comments on the floor of the Senate and the Secretary told Lord Halifax he had spent most of the day with the Senators trying to discourage its introduction.
The Secretary told Lord Halifax that the only thing that will stop the introduction of the bill, in his opinion, is the announcement of a time limit for completion of the work of the Commission to be appointed to investigate the situation. It is the opinion of our Congress, and also of the American people in general, that one way to shelve an issue is to appoint an investigating committee, and if a time limit could be set for the Commission to report it would give the impression that an earnest effort will be made during that period of time to reach a solution.
Lord Halifax explained that Mr. Bevin does not think it wise to set a definite time limit. Mr. Bevin wonders if the two Governments might ask the Commission to designate a date for the completion of their work.
The Secretary emphasized that he hopes a time limit can be agreed upon.
[Page 828]Lord Halifax said he would advise Mr. Bevin of this and say that if a definite time limit could not be agreed to by the British, then the Secretary could probably agree, as an alternative, that the Commission be invited to report, if possible, in 120 days.
Lord Halifax stated that the British hoped to appoint seven members on the Commission and asked the Secretary’s opinion on this.
The Secretary replied that he was in favor of appointment of five members of each Government because he felt that the smaller the group the more they will accomplish.
It was agreed that Lord Halifax would advise the Foreign Office that the Secretary prefers to appoint five members, but would agree to appoint six.
The Secretary expressed the desire that persons of very high standing be appointed, that he has in mind appointing an outstanding judge, a former presidential candidate and the president of a large university. He said he hoped Mr. Bevin would not appoint members of Parliament, because he would then be compelled to appoint members of our Congress and he disliked doing this because all of them were on record as to their position in the matter.
Lord Halifax said he would ask to be advised about this, and would communicate with the Secretary.