501.BB Palestine/7–2148: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
1108. Protocol regarding truce and defining lines of Arab and Jewish positions was signed at noon by commander of Arab and Jewish forces in Jerusalem in presence of Truce Commission. Both commanders appeared satisfied with general outline of demarcation no man’s land presented by UN observer and general attitude of meeting was friendly.
Jewish commander told me he considered a Palestine war over and said he now feels matter can be settled by peaceful negotiations. Arab commander also mentioned to me that he hoped this would lead to peace but reiterated it would have to be a just and honorable peace. Although he was in a better frame of mind than he was on July 17 (mytel 1097, July 191) it is my impression that he is still skeptical regarding the sincerity of the UN and particularly the US in its efforts of find a fair solution to the Palestine problem.
- Not printed; it stated that Commander Abdullah el-Tel “expressed considerable distrust of US intentions and displeasure over renewal truce. He feels that US through SC forced Arabs accept truce in order to allow Jews time ‘and opportunity to improve their military position as they did during last truce. There is no doubt now whatsoever that Jews gained materially in military strength during former truce period.” (501.BB Palestine/7–1948)↩