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Truman Tallies Votes For Partition

(1947)

Scholars have debated for years how much effort the United States put into lobbying to support the UN resolution to partition Palestine. These undated notes from a cabinet meeting provide evidence the United States was indeed lobbying some governments and evaluates the success of that effort.

The top of the note reads, “Palestine votes look a little better.” It then lists five points:

  1. “We have been in touch with Liberian minister to try to get the government’s instructions changed to support us.”
  2. “I think we have Haiti.
  3. We may get Philippines out of no into abstention or, with luck, yes.”
  4. “Cuba still won’t play.”
  5. “Greece is uncertain but has the excuse of the Balkan communism votes trade with Moslems.”

On November 27, 1947, the UN partition resolution passed with 33 votes in favor, 13 opposed and 10 abstentions. Liberia, Haiti and the Philippines voted for the resolution, while Cuba and Greece voted against.