Mideast situation/Truce violations – Telegram from Chairman SecCo Truce Commission

TELEGRAM DATED 23 MAY 1948 FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL TRUCE COMMISSION FOR PALESTINE ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

The Chairman of the Security Council Truce Commission instructs me to transmit the following message to you:

"23 May.

In order to comply with the wish contained in the last paragraph of your cablegram HQPC dated 18 May, we wish to be in a position to supply you with substantial daily report on the military situation in Jerusalem drawn up in as competent a manner as possible.

To do this we shall need:

1. Military advisers capable of coordinating and above all verifying as far as possible information received from most diverse sources.  I consider it essential that such officers should possess some experience of the Arab world.

2. I consider that for the time being three officers will be sufficient.

3. As to their rank, I consider that one Colonel and two Majors are indicated.

In view of the state of public opinion it would be better to avoid choosing British officers.

Owing to the isolation of Jerusalem, where we are practically out off from other areas of Palestine, we do not think it will be possible for us under present circumstances to keep the Council supplied with the most reliable information possible concerning the changes in the situation in the rest of the country; it would seem that it will be for the Council to find the best means of obtaining such information.

Jean Nieuwenhuys Chairman of the Security Council Truce Commission in Palestine."

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