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

501.BB Palestine/8–448: Telegram

The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State

secret

Jerusalem, August 4, 1948—2 p. m.

1156. Re Amman’s telegram 32¹ relayed by Department to Jerusalem as 24. Bernadotte arrived Jerusalem August 2 and held meeting Old Jerusalem that afternoon with Truce Commission, his representatives here, Glubb Pasha Chief of Staff Arab Legion, Military Commander Arab Legion Jerusalem and other prominent Arabs. Discussions devoted principally to demilitarization Jerusalem, to which Arabs expressed approval and agreed to Mediator’s suggestion that exploratory talks be started soonest between Arab leaders Jerusalem, Truce Commission and Mediator’s representatives in endeavor formulate plan demilitarization.

Meeting with Arabs, who showed friendly and very cooperative attitude, was most satisfactory. Other matters such as sniping, water supply for Jewish Jerusalem and refugees discussed in general terms. Bernadotte was very insistent both military commanders put an end to sniping. Arab Commander assured Mediator he has issued strict orders to Arab Legion and also to irregulars whom he claims he now can control, not to return fire unless ordered to do so.

Mediator, his staff and Truce Commission met Bernard Joseph, Military Governor Jewish Jerusalem August 3. Joseph’s attitude was unfriendly, uncooperative and defiant. Same matters brought up for discussion as on previous day with Arabs. Joseph said he knew nothing about his government’s attitude regarding demilitarization and refused to commit Israel Government on this point. He questioned political implications involved and insinuated that UN would try to force internationalization of Jerusalem on Jews after demilitarization. Mediator referred him to SC resolution of July 15 stating demilitarization shall not prejudice future political status Jerusalem. Following a vitriolic attack on the UN by Joseph, during which he said the Jews have no confidence in the UN and referred to it as a laughing stock, he finally said he would agree pending the approval of his government to meet Truce Commission and Mediator’s representatives to discuss a plan for demilitarization or appoint someone to represent him.

Unless Joseph is instructed by Israel Government not to start discussions on demilitarization, Truce Commission plans several meetings this week with Jews and Arabs separately in order prepare report for Mediator upon his return Jerusalem August 9.²

Macdonald

1. Dated August 2, not printed; it reported that Count Bernadotte on August 1 had a long conference with the Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Transjordan, discussing the demilitarization of Jerusalem, the Arab refugee problem, and a general settlement of the Palestine question (501.BB Palestine/8–248).
2. Jerusalem reported, on August 4, that Mr. Shertok had advised the Military Governor of Jewish Jerusalem that “Israel has not yet agreed in principle that Jerusalem should be demilitarized. Therefore Military Governor states he cannot enter into discussions as suggested by Mediator regarding demilitarization Jerusalem.” (Telegram 1158, 501.BB Palestine/8–448)