501.BB Palestine/8–1948: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
1210. Consul General greatly appreciates Department’s comments on its telegrams 1198, August 16 and 1148, August 21 reporting present [Page 1328] Jewish attitude towards Jerusalem (Deptel 838, August 18). Indication given of Department’s present position most useful.
By Christian disinterest in Jerusalem Senator meant lack of evidence available in Jerusalem, that Christian institutions such as Vatican, Church of England and Protestant Council of Churches have vigorously condemned fighting here or taken any action to force cessation hostilities. Any information of positive action by organizations mentioned would be most useful.
Consul General feels that shift in attitude towards Bernadotte and United Nations attributable both to Jewish desire obtain control Jerusalem and to loss confidence in United Nations willingness or ability to carry out decisions. At time first truce Jews relatively weaker militarily than Arabs and realized dependence on United Nations for survival at least in Jerusalem. At present conscious of own superior military position and consider United Nations obstacle to their military conquest Jerusalem and perhaps remainder [apparent omission] this explains their present lack cooperation with observers and efforts depreciate Bernadotte and United Nations in contrast to attitude during first truce. However, in view failure United Nations solve Palestine problem or take effective action prevent fighting, Consul General feels majority populace and Jewish leaders in Jerusalem doubt United Nations will take positive steps assert its authority. Because present East–West division in SC and past fluctuations in United States policy Jewish feeling is punitive action particularly versus State Israel most doubtful. Jews have made every effort build up case against Arabs as violators present truce and are confident this evidence will also prevent SC from declaring Israel is aggressor. Consul General considers Jews are actually attempting to provoke incident permitting resumption hostilities blame for which could not be conclusively attributed to Jews.
Consul General therefore wishes reiterate views expressed in its telegram 1157, August 4, that visible evidence SC determination such as despatch armed forces for demilitarization Jerusalem is required to stabilize present situation.
- Neither printed.↩