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occupied a wide area on each side of road. An American correspondent visiting the scene
stated that the road block presented no problem to clear away and that Jewish engineer
units with bulldozers were in action. A food convoy from Tel Aviv is expected Tuesday.
The High Commissioner commented to me on Monday that while the Jews would
undoubtedly be able to open the road, it would soon be closed by Arab Legion armor. He
said that the Arab Legion and other Arab armies would march into Arab areas of Palestine
after the mandate ends.
With the opening of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road, the Arabs' strongest bargaining point
for a truce has disappeared and it is believed doubtful that the Jews will be willing to
consider any truce not based on their maximum conditions. While the Jews say they are
prepared to continue cease-fire arrangements, they appear ready to take over Jerusalem if
necessary. Consequently, the Arabs will have to either make considerable concessions to
obtain a truce or give up what they now hold.
May 11, 10pm – Secret Urgent
During a meeting with the Truce Commission on the morning of May 11, the High
Commissioner said that the Jews were short-sighted not to accept his proposed terms of
truce for Jerusalem. He went on to say that the flushed-with-victory Jews did not realize
that the Arabs could keep the Tel-Aviv-Jerusalem road closed, thus starving the population
of Jerusalem.
During an interview the High Commissioner said that he perceived no objection to the
Truce Commission's issuing an appeal to the people of Jerusalem to continue to observe
the "cease-fire" in order that the Truce Commission might pursue its work, although he
said that his responsibility for the truce negotiations had not ended.
D uring the afternoon meeting of the Truce Commission, at which Azcárate of the
UN was present, Berman of the JA informed us that the Jews were prepared to continue
observing the "cease-fire" provided the Arabs did likewise. The Truce Commission is
having difficulty finding any representative Arabs. They have apparently fled or gone
underground.
B erman said that there had been more fighting on the Tel-Aviv road and that the
situation was confused. The impression with which Berman left us was that Jews will be
most difficult to deal with in truce talks, since they appear to feel that they have nothing
to gain by a truce unless it gives them everything that they wish in Palestine. It appears to
us that they are delaying discussions for the purpose of setting up their government and
improving their position.
T here are unconfirmed reports that the Jews will receive large quantities of military
equipment, now in various Mediterranean ports, after May 15. From our very limited
vantage point in Jerusalem, it appears that the Jews are now prepared to gamble everything
for unlimited immigration and the formation of their state.
222 The Friday That Changed Destiny
stated that the road block presented no problem to clear away and that Jewish engineer
units with bulldozers were in action. A food convoy from Tel Aviv is expected Tuesday.
The High Commissioner commented to me on Monday that while the Jews would
undoubtedly be able to open the road, it would soon be closed by Arab Legion armor. He
said that the Arab Legion and other Arab armies would march into Arab areas of Palestine
after the mandate ends.
With the opening of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road, the Arabs' strongest bargaining point
for a truce has disappeared and it is believed doubtful that the Jews will be willing to
consider any truce not based on their maximum conditions. While the Jews say they are
prepared to continue cease-fire arrangements, they appear ready to take over Jerusalem if
necessary. Consequently, the Arabs will have to either make considerable concessions to
obtain a truce or give up what they now hold.
May 11, 10pm – Secret Urgent
During a meeting with the Truce Commission on the morning of May 11, the High
Commissioner said that the Jews were short-sighted not to accept his proposed terms of
truce for Jerusalem. He went on to say that the flushed-with-victory Jews did not realize
that the Arabs could keep the Tel-Aviv-Jerusalem road closed, thus starving the population
of Jerusalem.
During an interview the High Commissioner said that he perceived no objection to the
Truce Commission's issuing an appeal to the people of Jerusalem to continue to observe
the "cease-fire" in order that the Truce Commission might pursue its work, although he
said that his responsibility for the truce negotiations had not ended.
D uring the afternoon meeting of the Truce Commission, at which Azcárate of the
UN was present, Berman of the JA informed us that the Jews were prepared to continue
observing the "cease-fire" provided the Arabs did likewise. The Truce Commission is
having difficulty finding any representative Arabs. They have apparently fled or gone
underground.
B erman said that there had been more fighting on the Tel-Aviv road and that the
situation was confused. The impression with which Berman left us was that Jews will be
most difficult to deal with in truce talks, since they appear to feel that they have nothing
to gain by a truce unless it gives them everything that they wish in Palestine. It appears to
us that they are delaying discussions for the purpose of setting up their government and
improving their position.
T here are unconfirmed reports that the Jews will receive large quantities of military
equipment, now in various Mediterranean ports, after May 15. From our very limited
vantage point in Jerusalem, it appears that the Jews are now prepared to gamble everything
for unlimited immigration and the formation of their state.
222 The Friday That Changed Destiny
