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ned out to have been likewise mistaken. The view of
Marshall's representative in Jerusalem, General Consul
Thomas Campbell Wasson, turned out to be far more reliable.
Wasson, a professional diplomat aged 52 at the time, had arrived
in Jerusalem just a month earlier, from Athens, where he had
served as embassy advisor. Previously he had served in Australia,
Italy, Nigeria, and in the State Department in Washington.
U pon arrival in Jerusalem, which was in the midst of
heavy fighting, he began dispatching reports on what was
happening in the city, the warring parties, their strength, his
opinion of the disintegrating Mandatory regime, and – no
less important – his assessment of what was likely to happen
in Jerusalem, in particular, and in the country as a whole. Wasson also served, along
with the consuls of France and Belgium, on the Truce Commission which had been
set up by the UN, and which attempted to halt the spread of the fighting in Jerusalem.
A review of the documents of the State Department from 1948 show that Wasson,
in contrast to Marshall, his superior in Washington, held the Jewish forces in high
esteem and believed that the Arab armies would indeed invade the country immediately
upon the conclusion of the British Mandate. His reports from May, 1948, shed light
on Jewish and Arab Jerusalem, the battles, and the preparations for the establishment
of the state. This is what Palestine of May, 1948, looked like to his American eyes.
May 3
1. The following is an appreciation of the present position in Palestine. The Palestinian
Government has generally ceased to function and central public services no longer
exist. In Jewish areas the Jews have taken effective control and are maintaining public
services within those areas. Preparations for the establishment of the Jewish state after
termination of the mandate are well advanced. Confidence in the future is at a high peak
and Jewish public support for their leaders is overwhelming. In Arab areas only municipal
administration continues, without any central authority.
In Samaria food and gasoline are in very short supply. Morale following Jewish military
successes is low, with thousands of Arabs fleeing the country. The last remaining hope is in
the entry of Arab regular armies, spearheaded by the Arab Legion. Jerusalem is quiet with
an enforced 48-hour cease-fire in the Katamon suburb. The British are maintaining the
status quo, having warned Arabs and Jews that further disturbances will not be tolerated.
Both sides are regrouping for battles in areas not affecting British lines of communications.
Unless strong Arab reinforcements arrive, we expect the Jews to overrun most of city upon
withdrawal of the British force. The British are bringing in heavy reinforcement troops,
tanks and armor to keep both sides under control until the withdrawal to the Haifa enclave
is completed. The British Army is expected to pursue a tougher policy.
Other Perspectives 217
Marshall's representative in Jerusalem, General Consul
Thomas Campbell Wasson, turned out to be far more reliable.
Wasson, a professional diplomat aged 52 at the time, had arrived
in Jerusalem just a month earlier, from Athens, where he had
served as embassy advisor. Previously he had served in Australia,
Italy, Nigeria, and in the State Department in Washington.
U pon arrival in Jerusalem, which was in the midst of
heavy fighting, he began dispatching reports on what was
happening in the city, the warring parties, their strength, his
opinion of the disintegrating Mandatory regime, and – no
less important – his assessment of what was likely to happen
in Jerusalem, in particular, and in the country as a whole. Wasson also served, along
with the consuls of France and Belgium, on the Truce Commission which had been
set up by the UN, and which attempted to halt the spread of the fighting in Jerusalem.
A review of the documents of the State Department from 1948 show that Wasson,
in contrast to Marshall, his superior in Washington, held the Jewish forces in high
esteem and believed that the Arab armies would indeed invade the country immediately
upon the conclusion of the British Mandate. His reports from May, 1948, shed light
on Jewish and Arab Jerusalem, the battles, and the preparations for the establishment
of the state. This is what Palestine of May, 1948, looked like to his American eyes.
May 3
1. The following is an appreciation of the present position in Palestine. The Palestinian
Government has generally ceased to function and central public services no longer
exist. In Jewish areas the Jews have taken effective control and are maintaining public
services within those areas. Preparations for the establishment of the Jewish state after
termination of the mandate are well advanced. Confidence in the future is at a high peak
and Jewish public support for their leaders is overwhelming. In Arab areas only municipal
administration continues, without any central authority.
In Samaria food and gasoline are in very short supply. Morale following Jewish military
successes is low, with thousands of Arabs fleeing the country. The last remaining hope is in
the entry of Arab regular armies, spearheaded by the Arab Legion. Jerusalem is quiet with
an enforced 48-hour cease-fire in the Katamon suburb. The British are maintaining the
status quo, having warned Arabs and Jews that further disturbances will not be tolerated.
Both sides are regrouping for battles in areas not affecting British lines of communications.
Unless strong Arab reinforcements arrive, we expect the Jews to overrun most of city upon
withdrawal of the British force. The British are bringing in heavy reinforcement troops,
tanks and armor to keep both sides under control until the withdrawal to the Haifa enclave
is completed. The British Army is expected to pursue a tougher policy.
Other Perspectives 217
