867N.01/8–348: Telegram

The Acting Special Representative of the United States in Israel (Knox) to the Secretary of State

37. Proclamation issued under date August 2 signed Ben Gurion establishes Israeli military rule Jerusalem occupied area which is defined as area under control Israeli Army, comprising major part city Jerusalem, part of its environs and western approaches and roads connecting Jerusalem with coastal plane. The law of State Israel applies occupied area and residents required observe same; persons breaching law may be brought before military court or civilian, as circumstances warrant. Proclamation declared retroactive in application as from midnight Friday 14 May. In respect those parts occupied [Page 1274] area which come under occupation Israeli Army at subsequent date this proclamation shall be deemed to have come into force on that date.1

Knox
  1. The proclamation was signed by Mr. Ben-Gurion in his capacity as Minister of Defense. The text of Decree Law No. 12 proclaiming “Israeli Military Rule in Jerusalem” was transmitted to the Department by Tel Aviv in despatch 27, August 9 (867N.01/8–948).