867N.01/9–1746: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 17—11:51 a.m.]
8214. Following report of yesterday’s private meeting Palestine conference63 has been communicated Embassy verbally by Secretary British delegation.
Bevin and Hall attended. Former delivered Govt’s commentary drafted over week-end on Arab statements (Embs 8153, Sept 1364). He said Govt’s plan was carefully considered and took into account international aspects. Any solution must take into account absence common ground between Arabs and Jews. Answer seemed to lie in separation of two communities. Bevin wished make clear to Arabs that further immigration cannot be dismissed from problem because plight Jews and displaced persons in general makes immigration essential. Bevin gave following as five essential elements to any solution:
- 1.
- There are 600,000 Jews in Palestine who will insist on their political rights not only as individuals but as community.
- 2.
- There can be no settlement which does not admit further Jewish immigration.
- 3.
- Palestine cannot remain indefinitely under tutelage but must progress towards independence.
- 4.
- Therefore some institutions must be set up which will enable both peoples in Palestine to govern themselves more and more.
- 5.
- Tension in Palestine for last 10 years must be ended.
General discussion followed Bevin’s commentary. British inquired regarding Arab counter-proposals and asked whether they would take into account five points above.
Arabs said they would like to consider Bevin’s commentary and that they would comment upon it in day or two. When Arabs are ready next meeting will be arranged possibly Thursday.64a
Secretary British delegation said it was uncertain whether Arabs would merely comment next meeting or would comment and then present Arab counter-proposals. British are not inclined to rush matters.
- The Conference on Palestine had opened on September 10 at Lancaster House, London, with a speech by Prime Minister Attlee to the Arab delegations, replied to by the Syrian delegate as spokesman for the Arabs the following day. At a private session Foreign Minister Bevin had emphasized the common interests of the United Kingdom and the Arabs to preserve the peace in the Middle East, had spelled out certain conditions to this end, and had proposed to table the Morrison plan as basis for discussions. (867N.01/9–1046, /9–1146)↩
- Not printed; it reported on two lengthy sessions on September 12 during which each of the Arab delegates had made long statements expressing dislike of the Morrison plan (867N.01/9–1346).↩
- September 19.↩