867N.01/8–748: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
urgent
1177. During past two days there has been increasing sniping and gunfire principally from Jewish side and according most reliable information available it has been initiated by Jews.
Yesterday afternoon when returning from Truce Commission meeting with Arab Commander in Old City my car was fired on several times by Jews while still in Arab territory and just before crossing [Page 1298] over to Jewish lines. Consulate’s two jeeps driven by guards returning from Old City with food were fired on few minutes later in same place. Today about noon in same area Consulate General’s official car driven by Burdett was hit and guard Przywitoski slightly injured.
Inasmuch as road on which firing took place is used only by Consular, Red Cross and UN personnel and other persons authorized to cross lines there is no excuse for either side firing on vehicles traveling over this route.
A strong note of protest has been sent to the Jewish Military Governor of Jerusalem calling attention to above. It is requested this information be brought to the attention of the SC pointing out Jewish deliberate violation of truce and failure to take adequate measures to protect lives of official personnel who are compelled to travel in performance of their duties.