Palestine question – A questionnaire to the parties – SecCo decision

At its 295th meeting, on 18 May 1948, the Council decided to send a questionnaire 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, and to request replies within forty-eight hours from noon New York standard time on 19 May 1948.  The questionnaire (S/753)1/ read as follows:

I. Questions addressed 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 addressed 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 addressed 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 in 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?

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1/ Official Records of the Security Council, Third Year, Supplement for May 1948.