President Truman in 1945 commissioned Earl G. Harrison to prepare a report on the conditions of Jews in Palestine. This report observed that 'conditions were poor…what they wanted: was peace and security -and desired to start afresh, where they would be free to live and prosper - the Zionist ideal of Palestine'. The report urged all nations to assist the Jews with all aid possible.

The British Government response was to issue 1,500 passports per month for entry into Palestine. "To exceed this amount would lead 'serious implications for Middle East, especially considering position of ninety million Muslims in India". The Prime Minister noted "I pointed out however that in Palestine we had the Arabs as well Jews to consider and referred to undertakings given to Arab rulers by both President Roosevelt and President Truman that there would be consultation with the Arabs. To break these pledges would set the whole Middle East aflame".