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modifications of the Palestine White Paper in favour of the Arabs. Indeed, he has let us know that in his view we should concentrate all our energies on winning the war before attempting to tackle such questions. We must however assume that he would put forward requests for aircraft and other equipment,
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There are no doubt other disadvantages such as those shown in paragraph 3 of Jedda telegram No, 347, but at least a case has been made for re-consideration of this question. In these circumstances we are inclined to think that the next step should be for the Chiefs of Staff to consider whether on purely military grounds it would be to the advantage of this country that an attempt should be made to bring Ibn Saud in on our side as an ally. For this purpose, they will no doubt wish to consult Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, and we shall be grateful if you will let us know whether it is agreed that these military studies should precede any further consideration of the question from the political angle.
Great George Street, S.W.1.
11th December, 1941.
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