501.BB Palestine/9–648: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
1256. Situation Jerusalem shown marked improvement since Thursday noon when agreement reached under auspices chief UN observer here between Arab Legion, Egyptian and Jewish commanders to cease all fire. Although occasional rifle fire still heard, mortar and automatic fire has practically ceased. Number complaints by both sides of truce violations greatly decreased.
On 4th opposing forces evacuated Bed Cross zone including Government House, Jewish training farm and Arab agricultural college. Demilitarized area successfully established including Bed Cross zone and surrounding territory. All fortifications in process removal.
Sent Department as 1256, repeated Beirut as 76, Baghdad as 14, Cairo as 118, Damascus as 33, Jidda and Tel Aviv by pouch.