Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 2

867N.01/5–2948: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State

restricted

Jerusalem, May 29, 1948—9 a. m.

783. Terms surrender of Jews in Old City are:

1. Approximately 2000 women, children, old and religious people to be evacuated to Jewish quarters new Jerusalem under supervision International Red Cross.

2. Three hundred men of military age to be taken prisoners of war to Amman.

3. Of 150 wounded, slightly wounded to be taken prisoners of war, seriously wounded to be turned over to IRC.¹

At 2310 hours local last night, Major Abdullah el-Tel, Arab Legion Commander Old City, telephoned Consulate General that Jews were attacking Zion, Jaffa, New, and Damascus Gates while evacuation of Jews from Zion Gate was still proceeding. Approximately 900 Jews including wounded still proceeding Old City and if attack continued, he said he could not vouch much longer for their safety. He requested Consulate General intercede with JA for immediate cease-fire Old City area. Consulate General called JA at once. JA stated it had been informed one hour previously that evacuation had been completed. Regarding firing, JA official stated that Arab irregulars on Old City walls had opened fire on Jewish armored buses bringing evacuees from Zion Gate and that Jews had been obliged return fire. Around midnight firing ceased.

Azcarate of United Nations who was in Old City at time told Consulate General that Arab Legion had carried out evacuation efficiently and according surrender agreement. Major el-Tel informed Consulate General this morning that evacuation except for wounded had been completed without further incident. JA official stated this morning that Arab Legion had launched attack last night against Jewish position in Sheikh Jarrah quarter while evacuation being carried out. Added that certain Jewish prisoners might be exchanged for Arab prisoners taken at Acre.

Burdett

1. According to the telegram sent by the Truce Commission to the President of the Security Council on May 29, the unconditional surrender of the Jewish quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem took place at 6 p. m. (Palestine time) on May 28; for text, see SC, 3rd yr., No. 77, p. 16.