501.BB Palestine/7–2348: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
1113. Yesterday and last night Chairman Truce Commission and I visited forward positions Arab Legion with Legion Commander Arabs Jerusalem and several Legion officers of both British and Arab nationality. Arab Legion officers including Jerusalem Commander are very worried about Jewish troop movements in vulnerable forward areas and feel Jews are improving positions in an attempt to cut off various Arab units. They have no confidence in Jewish forces observing truce and expect an attack any time. Intelligence officer said they have reports that Stern Gang and IZL plan to attack Old City. Brigadier Lash, Commander of Arab Legion Forces in Palestine, said last night that he is concerned about observance of truce and fears that minor incidents and rumors which are rife will lead to collapse of cease-fire. A feeling of tenseness and expectation of sudden attack is obvious at all Arab Legion posts visited. On other hand there is [Page 1237] evidence that Legion Officers are making every effort and taking precautions for observing truce.
From observation point at Nilin we could see Jews who had moved forward from their positions at time of cease-fire to within rifle range of Arab lines. Similar actions are reported on other fronts and although Arab lines have not been crossed it is such movements and infiltrations that is causing Arabs worry and mistrust of Jewish intentions. Truce commission will request UN observers due arrive today to investigate this matter.