One feature of the system contemplated by the covenant of the League of Nations for the Arab territories being taken from Turkey was that the wishes of the population should be a “principal consideration” in the selection of an outside power that would control the territory. The United States sent a survey team to assess opinion in Palestine. Britain, after initially agreeing, declined to participate in this exercise, because it had decided to keep Palestine regardless of the opinion of the population. Britain understood that the population of Palestine was wary about Britain taking control, in particular because of Britain’s stated intention of promoting a Jewish national home.