867N.01/5–2748: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
767. Battle of Jerusalem has now reached what may be described as near stalemate. Jews are in control of most areas of city while Arabs with sizeable garrison Arab Legion and irregulars still retain old city, except Jewish quarters and all approaches to old city except Zion and Jaffa gates. Neither side has been able to break grip of other side on areas held by it. Arab Legion and Arab operation army artillery continue bombardment several times daily of Jewish quarters new city from northern outskirts Jerusalem and Arab armies have blocked all roads leading into Jerusalem. Mortar, automatic and sniper fire continues daily throughout city in varying intensity and it appears that major effort has, however, shifted on both sides to battle for roads leading to Jerusalem. Evidence exists that Arab Legion and Egyptians have deployed toward Babelwad from Sheik Jarrah and Bethlehem areas respectively.
Jews report they have sufficient food and water to last for long period in new Jerusalem and that they prepared turn city into “another Stalingrad.” However American correspondents believe that food, fuel and water supply situation in new Jerusalem is grave. Conditions in Jewish quarters old city desperate and may only be question of time before inhabitants and Haganah there capitulate. Arabs in old city probably have sufficient water for considerable period and are able receive food and fuel from Jericho area and Transjordan.
It, therefore, seems that Arabs are preparing for long siege of Jewish Jerusalem in hope starving inhabitants into submission while at same time Jews equally preparing withstand siege. Nobody cares hazard guess how long such siege could last.