501.BB Palestine/8–148: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
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1146. Subject Deptel 778, July 28, discussed at length with Bernadotte July 30. He cannot understand why US objects lending Marines to UN for special guard duties in view of fact we have no objection supplying observers from both Army and Navy. He is under impression State Department has misunderstood his original request and asked me to endeavor clarify position as follows:
Two hundred fifty Marines are needed to guard Hadassah Hospital Hebrew University and Augusta Victoria. All of these properties have been demilitarized and put under UN supervision. Marines will replace Jewish and Arab police now there. They will wear UN armbands and be considered a UN force and not United States. A few of these Marines will guard the Latrun water pumping station which is also under United Nations. The Marine unit will be required only until it can be replaced by UN international force which Bernadotte has been told cannot be recruited and sent here for at least 60 to 90 days. Mediator feels it is imperative to have a regular military force under UN arrive immediately to guard these demilitarized areas now controlled by UN before complete demilitarization of Jerusalem can be implemented. Furthermore, according to agreement for demilitarization Mount Scopus UN promised provide guards. If US will supply Marine guard Bernadotte says France has agreed to do likewise and he believes Belgium will follow suit.
After discussing this matter carefully with Mediator, I see no objection to granting his request under the above mentioned conditions except for political implications of which I may not be aware.
Department’s suggestion regarding possibility of enlisting active cooperation and participation of Arab and Jewish authorities and armed forces for policing Jerusalem absolutely impossible due mistrust and deeply rooted hatred each other at this time.
Employment of former Arab and Jewish units of civilian police cannot be used since Palestine police during mandate was target for both sides and bitter hatred still exists for anyone who was connected with it. Recalling members of this force would invite immediate bloodshed.
Last suggestion of appointing well disciplined units Israeli and Arab forces not practicable due to very small number of military police and furthermore no Arab and Jewish forces will cooperate at this time.
Unless an international military or police force is brought to Jerusalem [Page 1265] quickly, there is no hope of demilitarization of the city. Necessity for immediate action in this matter cannot be stressed too strongly. That is principal reason why Bernadotte is so anxious to get US Marines for Mount Scopus as they will be looked upon as first unit of international force to guard areas already demilitarized and under United Nations supervision.
Telegram follows re other conversation with Bernadotte.