501.BB Palestine/7–348: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
2552. Please call on Bevin and say that our first impression of Bernadotte’s “suggestions” to Jews and Arabs for peaceful adjustment of Palestine situation is favorable. We think his suggestions are statesmanlike and clearly designed to establish bargaining positions which will enable both sides to come closer to eventual agreement. Pending further study, however, we are not prepared to express a considered evaluation of Mediator’s proposals.
As Bevin and you have agreed, we feel that matter of most immediate importance and urgency is extension of truce beyond July 9. Of secondary but still very great importance is Bernadotte’s contemplated proposal that both Arabs and Jews agree to demilitarize Jerusalem.
We are considering instructing US Missions in Arab capitals and US officials available to Prov. Govt, of Israel to express in strongest possible terms hope of this govt as a friend of both Arabs and Jews, [Page 1187] as member of SC Truce Commission, and as a govt keenly desirous to see that international problems are settled only by peaceful means, to urge on Arab and Jewish Govts paramount necessity of extending present truce and cease-fire and if possible acceding to Bernadotte’s suggestion for demilitarization of Jerusalem.
We would appreciate information as to whether Mr. Bevin feels that British could make similar approach, and any comments which he may care to offer.
Foregoing was drafted before receipt of your 2945 July 2,1 and represents the most that can be said until receipt of official text of Bernadotte’s proposals and their detailed consideration by Dept.
- Not printed; it conveyed the query of the British Foreign Office as to whether United States views on Palestine could be made known to the British Government (501.BB Palestine/7–248).↩