Kerry gives Netanyahu a well-deserved diplomatic slap in the face

[JDPriestly]

102. Here is interesting information about what happened in the Truman White House with regard

to the partition that divided Israel from Palestine.

Truman was concerned that the Russians (the idea of a Jewish state in Palestine had originated among Russian Jews according to the article I am citing) were attempting to establish a foothold in Palestine by sending Communist Jews there. I quote:

Lovett still had not given up: “Indecent haste in recognizing the new state would be unfortunate for the very reasons that I mentioned on Wednesday. Please get the President to delay for a day or so. It is hard for me to believe that one day could make so much difference. There will be a tremendous reaction in the Arab world. We might lose the effects of many years of hard work with the Arabs. We will lose our position with Arab leaders. It will put our diplomatic missions and consular representa­tives into personal jeopardy.”

“Speed is essential to preempt the Russians,” I replied, and reminded him that he and Marshall had been expressing great concern that the Soviet Union might take advantage of indecision on our part to gain a toehold in the area. “And a one-day delay will become two days, three days, and so on.”

http://jcpa.org/article/president-truman%E2%80%99s-decision-to-recognize-israel/

Clark M. Clifford served as Special Counsel to President Truman from 1946 to 1950 and as Secretary of Defense in 1968-69 under President Johnson.

Richard C. Holbrooke served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (1977-81), U.S. Ambassador to Germany (1993-94), Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs (1994-96), and U.S. Ambassador to the UN (1999-2001). He was the chief architect of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement which ended the war in Bosnia.

This is an account by an eyewitness to the discussions in the Truman White House prior to the recognition of Israel.

It is easy to second-guess the thoughts of historical figures. Truman wrestled with this decision to recognize Israel, heard both sides of the issue and decided for Israel.

I am quoting from a Jewish publication which I found by Googling terms.

Here is a summary of the same information from the Truman library for those who feel uncomfortable about the source of the notes from the jcpa.

http://www.trumanlibrary.org/hst/h.htm