501.BB Palestine/10–3148: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at London
niact
4158. Eyes only personal for Secretary from Lovett. On receipt your message 4689 from London1 communicated with President in St. Louis. He instructs me to send you following reply with his request that utmost precautions be taken to maintain its personal and top secret character:
“(1) President again directs every effort be made to avoid taking position on Palestine prior to Wednesday.2 If by any chance it appears certain vote would have to be taken on Monday or Tuesday he directs USDel to abstain. (2) On Wednesday or thereafter proceed on understanding of American position previously taken as regards truce in May and July resolutions.”
Any other matters relating Palestine should be reported and cleared until present restrictions removed.
As to point (2) in directive above in view Rusk’s report Roosevelt Cohen position suggest you may wish refer alternatives back for clearance in spite general authority above to avoid subsequent possible disavowal. I carefully explained the grave circumstances which may follow in Palestine, Berlin and other critical situations when reporting your apprehension and again when above message phoned me. Feeling was expressed that friendly countries should “bear with us for twenty-four hours”.
Note: If Secretary has left for Paris please forward this telegram to him.