It of President Truman’s Announcement on U.s.-british Palestine Immigration Policy

President Truman’s statement on Palestine follows:

Following the receipt of information from various sources regarding the distressing situation of Jewish victims of Nazi and Fascist persecution in Europe, I wote to Mr. Attles Aug. 31 bringing to his attention the suggestion in a report by Mr. Earl G. Harrison that the granting of an additional 100,000 certificates for the immigration of Jews into Palestine would alleviate the situation. A copy of my letter to Mr. Attlee is being made available to the press. I continue to adhere to the views expressed in that letter.

I was advised by the British Government that because of conditions in Palestine it was not in a position to adopt the policy recommended, but that it was deeply concerned with the situation of the Jews in Europe.

During the course of subsequent discussions between the two governments, it was suggested to establish a joint Anglo-American committee of inquiry, under a rotating chairmanship, to examine the whole question and to make a further review of the lelestine problams inthe light of that examination and other relevant considerations.

In view of our intense interest in this matter and of our belief that such a committee will be of aid in finding a solution which will be both humane and just, we have acceded to the British suggestion.

(The President listed here the four “terms of reference” of the committee as spreed upon by the British and American Governments, which are given on pages 1 and 2.)

It will be observed that among the important duties of this committee will be the task of examining conditions in Palestine as they bear upon the problem of Jewish imigration.

The establishment of this committee will make possible a prompt review of the unfortunate plight of the Jews in those countries in Europe where they have been subjected to persecution, and a prompt examination of questions related to the rate of current immigration into Palestine and the absorptive capacity of the country.

The situation faced by displaced Jews during the coming witor allows no delay in this matter. I hope the committee will be able to accomplish its important task with the greatest speed.