501.BB Palestine/6–3048: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
1009. During official call today on Commander Shaltiel, Jewish military commander Jerusalem, possibility of extending truce was mentioned. He said Israel does not desire extension for political and military reasons. He accused Arabs of constant violations truce stressing chiefly their refusal supply water Jerusalem. He also stated HMG is advising Transjordan ruler not to agree to renewal of truce and encouraging Arab Legion to resume hostilities.
Bernard Joseph, chairman Jewish Jerusalem Emergency Command liaison officer Truce Commission, claims Jews should not have agreed to truce as they were on verge of military victory. He does not think truce will be extended and judging from his remarks he is not in favor of extension.
Consensus Jews Jerusalem is that truce will not be extended. Jewish leaders give impression of feeling confident of military victory. If truce not extended they will undoubtedly try place entire blame on Arabs in hope of increasing pro-Jewish sympathy in US and repeal of arms embargo.
[Page 1159]Arab attitude re truce extension will be reported after calls on Arab leaders tomorrow.