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

867N.01/5–1348: Telegram

The Consul at Jerusalem (Wasson) to the Secretary of State

secret

Jerusalem, May 13, 1948—1 p. m.

599. Recent successes of Haganah forces have given Jews new hope and courage. Proclamation of Jewish state following termination of mandate is awaited by Yishuv¹ with greatest excitement and jubilation Jewish national administration which is already functioning in wholly Jewish areas and partly in Jerusalem will become government of new Jewish state. So far with exception of Irgun attack on Jaffa and Haganah occupation of certain areas on Jerusalem–Tel Aviv road Jews have strictly observed territorial limits imposed by UN resolution of 29 November. However speculation is rife as to whether newfound strength may not encourage Jews to attempt to acquire more territory. Jewish Agency spokesman when asked by (AP?)² correspondent whether Jewish Agency would regard invasion of Palestine by Arab Armies as releasing Agency from obligations of 29 November resolution, replied that Ben Gurion had always said that main aim of Jews was to get all of Palestine. Jewish Agency officials have steadfastly maintained intention to remain within UN boundaries and Consulate General has seen no particular indication up to present that they have changed their plans. Most observers believe that Jews are winning first round at least of their battle and will desire consolidate positions.

Arab opposition to Jews in towns has completely disintegrated. Haifa is under Jewish domination; Jaffa is a deserted city and has been declared “open city”; and the Arabs have been given much needed breather by cease-fire. It is not believed Jerusalem Arabs would be able to present much opposition to Jews if latter decided to occupy city. Most representative Arabs have fled to neighboring countries and Arabs of authority are found only after most diligent searching. Consequently truce and cease-fire talks are greatly hampered and slowed down. It is possible Arabs do not wish to be placed in difficult position of having to make definite decisions which would be public admission of fact that Jews have upper hand. Perhaps they hope events will decide future course of policy. We believe Arab Legion and possibly other Arab armies will march into Arab areas of Palestine after termination of January date³ but will not risk major operation with Jews. Existence of informal arrangements between Jews and Abdullah should not be overlooked. Abdullah’s desire for additional territory and lucrative neighbor as well as his present strong position with fellow rulers may make such agreement possible of execution.⁴

Wasson

1. The Jewish community in Palestine.
2. As in the source text.
3. “January date” which appears in the source text should presumably read “mandate”.
4. London advised, on May 11, of information from Mr. Burrows that “In urging Arab states to accept truce past few days British representatives on Foreign Office instructions have taken line that it is better for Arab Governments to stand fast against popular demand for Intervention than to intervene unsuccessfully. In latter event governments could not hope weather popular rage at failure. Burrows considers this effective argument since no Arab state is in any financial or supply position to conduct lengthy campaign Palestine.” (Telegram 2053, 867N.01/5–1148)