Palestine question/1948 war – SecCo questions to the parties

QUESTIONS ADDRESSED TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF EGYPT, SAUDI ARABIA,

TRANSJORDAN, IRAQ, YEMEN, SYRIA AND LEBANON, TO THE ARAB

HIGHER COMMITTEE AND TO THE JEWISH AUTHORITIES IN

PALESTINE PURSUANT TO THE DECISION OF THE

SECURITY COUNCIL TAKEN AT THE 295TH

MEETING HELD ON 18 MAY 1948

I. Questions to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Transjordan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon:

(a) Are armed elements of your armed forces or irregular forces sponsored by your Government now operating (1) in Palestine;

(2) in areas (towns, cities, districts) of Palestine where the Jews are in the majority?

(b) If so, where are such forces now located and under what command are they operating, and what are their military objectives?

(c) On what basis is it claimed that such forces are entitled to enter (1) Palestine; (2) areas (towns, cities, districts) of Palestine where the Jews are in the majority, and conduct operations there?

(d) Who is now responsible for the exercise of political functions in the areas of Palestine where the Arabs are in the majority?

(e) Is such authority now negotiating with Jewish authorities on a political settlement in Palestine?

(f) Have the Jewish forces violated your frontiers and penetrated your territory?

II. Questions to the Arab Higher Committee:

(a) Is the Arab Higher Committee exercising political authority in Palestine?

(b) What governmental arrangements have been made to maintain public order and to carry on public services in sections of Palestine where Arabs are in the majority?

(c) Have the Arabs of Palestine requested assistance from governments outside of Palestine?

(d) If so, what governments, and for what purpose?

(e) Have you named representatives to deal with the Security Council Truce Commission for the purpose of effecting the truce called for by the Security Council?

(f) Have Jewish forces penetrated into the territory over which you claim to have authority?

III. Questions to the Jewish Authorities in Palestine:

(a) Over which areas of Palestine do you actually exercise control at the present time?

(b) Do you have armed forces operating in areas (towns, cities, districts) of Palestine where the Arabs are the majority, or outside Palestine?

(c) If so, on what basis do you attempt to justify such operations?

(d) Have you arranged for the entry into Palestine in the near future of men of military age from outside Palestine?  If so, what are the numbers and where are they coming from?

(e) Are you negotiating with Arab authorities regarding either the truce or a political settlement in Palestine?

(f) Have you named representatives to deal with the Security Council Truce Commission for the purpose of effecting the truce called for by the Security Council?

(g) Will you agree to an immediate and unconditional truce for the City of Jerusalem and the Holy Places?

(h) Have Arab forces penetrated into the territory over which you claim to have authority?

In view of the urgency of the matter, the Security Council decided to request replies to these questions within forty-eight hours counting from 19 May 1948 noon, New York Eastern Standard Time.

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