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

501.BB Palestine/8–2248: Telegram

The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State

secret   urgent
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Tel Aviv, August 22, 1948—11 p. m.

66. I anticipated Deptel 59, August 22 [21], indicated mytel 63, August 20. However, discussed question again today with Shertok informing him of grave Washington concern. He categorically stated any reports PGI about take general action Jerusalem or northern Galilee in violation truce were “fantastic”; that he aware responsibility PGI would incur such move. He reiterated, however, his public statement that indefinite continuation truce without any move toward peace settlement creating intolerable situation money, manpower for Israel.

In answer direct question Shertok said [Ben-]Gurion’s views identical those Foreign Minister. Since [Ben-]Gurion absent Jerusalem, impossible immediately confirm Shertok statement but have no reason suspect [Ben-]Gurion’s answer would be different.

My estimate is PGI will not now take deliberate overt action, but if increasingly tense situation is to be relieved there must be evidence near future through UN or otherwise of measurable progress toward peace.

McDonald