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

867N.01/11–2545

The British Embassy to the Department of State

November 27, 1945

Telegram From Mr. Bevin to Lord Halifax Dated the 27th November, 1945⁵⁰

Please thank Mr. Byrnes for his letter of November 25th and express my satisfaction that we have reached agreement on the terms in which the time limit is to be formulated. I accept his suggestion that “the two Governments would have the right to extend the time if there were good and sufficient reasons”.

2. I have no objection to Mr. Byrnes telling the Senate Committee of this agreement nor to his making the fact public. For my part, however, I would prefer to make the formal announcement here when the full list of United States and British names is ready.

3. I do not propose to announce the British in advance of the American names. The full list might well be published simultaneously in Washington and London and we can agree on the date.

50. An aide-mémoire from the British Embassy on November 28 stated: “Mr. Bevin wishes to confirm to the Secretary of State that he is in agreement with Mr. Byrnes’ message about the Palestine Committee.” (867N.01/11–2845) See letter of November 25, p. 831.