Palestine question/Truce prolongation proposal – Cable from Israel

CABLE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL DATED 8 JULY 1948

(TEL AVIV TIME) FROM THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL

CONCERNING THE PROLONGATION OF THE TRUCE

Have honour acknowledge receipt your telegram 2320 July 7th.  Have already communicated yesterday to Mediator decision Provisional Government Israel accept prolongation truce for thirty days and extension truce for three days if other side rejects prolongation.  Also expressed readiness discuss demilitarization whole city Jerusalem.

Informed by Mediator this morning Arab Governments rejected both proposals maximum and minimum for extension truce and as regards Jerusalem accepted demilitarization whole city Jerusalem.

This morning 1.00 a.m. (G.M.T.), Egyptian force considering two armoured columns and infantry launched offensive against our positions in south Palestine.  Battle is now in progress.  While its armed forces are ready for most determined action on all fronts, Provisional Government of Israel is most interested learn what Security Council will decide in present emergency.

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