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

501.BB Palestine/8–648: Telegram

The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State

secret

Jerusalem, August 6, 1948—noon.

1166. I saw Mediator yesterday afternoon at Tel Aviv following his conference with Foreign Minister (see mytel 1158, August 4¹) re demilitarization Jerusalem. Foreign Minister refused accept in principle demilitarization Jerusalem but informed Bernadotte PGI would not be adverse to entering into discussion of ways and means to improve general situation in Jerusalem during which talks question of demilitarization might be raised. Therefore Mediator instructed Truce Commission and his representatives to initiate talks with Military Governor Jerusalem soonest and report to him on his arrival here August 9.

Bernadotte is very dissatisfied with Foreign Minister’s attitude but is determined to continue pressing for demilitarization Jerusalem. It seems Foreign Minister is using delaying tactics pending such time as PGI feels it has built up sufficient reasons to officially refuse to consider demilitarization and demand Jerusalem be included in Jewish state.²

Contents Deptel 793, August 3 communicated Mediator to which he voiced considerable disappointment and displeasure. He requested me to point out once more the utter impossibility and inadvisability to even attempt recruiting an Arab and Jewish force for policing Jerusalem. Bernadotte is absolutely correct and unless an international force or some token military force under UN command is sent immediately it will be impossible demilitarize Jerusalem and question of internationalization will be dead issue. Situation is deteriorating daily and Jews are gaining confidence and building up stronger case for claiming Jerusalem as part Israel.

Macdonald

1. Not printed; but see footnote 2, p. 1277.
2. Apparently, the question of possible peace negotiations between Israel and the Arab States was also discussed at the meeting of August 5. Mr. Shertok, the following day, addressed a note to Count Bernadotte in which he requested the latter “to transmit to the Governments of the Arab States now at war with Israel our offer that their representatives should meet the representatives of the Provisional Government for the purpose of peace negotiations.” (SC, 3rd yr., Supplement for August 1948, p. 144) The Mediator transmitted the note to the Governments of the Arab States the same day and announced his readiness to transmit their replies (ibid.). The Egyptian Government, in a communication to Count Bernadotte, refused to enter peace negotiations with Israel. A copy of the communication was transmitted by Tel Aviv in despatch No. 42, August 22 (501.BB Palestine/8–2248).