UN Palestine Commission – Secretariat advance party – Letter from United Kingdom

16 February .1948

UNITED NATIONS PALESTINE COMMISSION

Communication of 16 February from Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Concerning the Secretariat Advance Party

The following communication has been received on 16 February fro Mr. Fletcher-Cooke of the United Kingdom Delegation concerning the Secretariat advance party:

“16th February, 1948.

Sir,

I am directed by Sir Alexander Cadogan to refer to your letter 10th February on subject of the arrival in Palestine of an advance party of the Secretariat of the Palestine Commission and to inform you that the points referred to in our letter have been noted by the Government of Palestine, which will do everything possible to facilitate the work of the advance party.

As regards accommodation and security, the Government of Palestine would be glad to know as soon as possible whether (as suggested in paragraph 4 of Mr. Fletcher-Cook’s letter to you of 12th February) the Commission are disposed to send a Transport and Accommodation Officer to Palestine alone about a week in advance of the rest of the party, so that the Government of Palestine can assist him to arrange whatever accommodation he selects.

The Government of has pointed out that it would be as well if the actual date of arrival of the advance party in Palestine were not publicised but it is appreciated that this may not be possible.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Sgd.) J. Fletcher-Cooke

Dr. Ralph J. Bunche,

Principal Secretary to the United Nations

Commission on Palestine.”