867N.01/6–2548: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
973. Mimeographed circular entitled “Memorandum of the Cease-Fire”, dated June 23rd and issued by Stern Gang Jerusalem has just been left at Consulate General gate. Following is résumé:
“Cease-fire is British-Arab ruse to whittle down already shrunken Jewish State. By limitation of immigration during cease-fire, relative proportion between opposing forces altered due fact sea blockade of Israel strictly enforced Bernadotte while comparative freedom land movement enjoyed by Arabs. Sea transportation of arms to Israel blocked while Arabs continue receive arms overland.
Future of Jerusalem depends on stockpiling of food, arms and munitions. Cease-fire prevents this but Arabs continue their encirclement of New Jerusalem in attempt force its surrender as they did that of Jewish quarter Old City.
PGI in agreeing to cease-fire written own indictment.
Fighters for freedom of Israel cannot and do not regard foreign observers as neutral factor. They party to intrigues of British policy. Americans, French, Belgians, Swedes, are all in effect acting as British agents to fulfill a British mission. They constitute a foreign body hostile to us which penetrated into our country under guise of neutrality. USSR and Eastern European countries were not permitted to send observers since such delegates would ensure the impartial application of all the cease-fire terms.”