Confidential U.S. state department central files [mikroform] : Palestine United Nations activities, 1945-1949 : Decimal numbers 501.BB Palestine and 501.MA Palestine.
Confidential U.S. state department central files
Dil Kodu
İngilizce
Yer Numarası
M/0323-14
Eser Adının Farklı Biçimi
Palestine United activities, 1945-1949
Yayın Bilgisi
Frederick, MD : University Puclications of America (UPA), [t.y.]
Fiziksel Niteleme
1 mikrofilm makarası (1062 poz) : pozitif ; 35 mm.
Genel Not
Bu seri 14 makaradan oluşmaktadır.
Bibliyografi, vb. Notu
Mikrofilmin indeksi A.VIII/2032 yer numarasında kayıtlıdır.
İçindekiler Notu
► International conferences cont. UN general assembly special committee on Palestine cont. -- 0001 : UN general assembly's political subcommittee recommends an international Jerusalem despite objections of Israel and Jordan. Political committee votes for $54,900,000 for direct relief and work relief for Palestinian refugees. UN relief and works agency for Palestine refugees is established to handle $54,900,000. It succeeds UNRPR. Burma recognizes Israel. UN general assembly votes to put Jerusalem under permanent UN rule, the same decision as on November 29, 1947. Arab states approve because they are suspicious of Jordan's King Abdullah. Britain opposes plan because Israel and Jordan will be forced to accept plan. U.S. opposes plan but favors Dutch-Swedish compromise in which only religious shrines would be under UN control, instead of all of Jerusalem. U.S. asks Israel and Jordan not to do anything which would disrupt relations with other Arab states or the Vatican. Knesset ignores UN resolution for internationalization of Jerusalem and votes to complete transfer of all government offices to Jerusalem. UN trusteeship council finishes drafting statute for Jerusalem. Israeli government moves to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, Palestine. UN trusteeship council proposes to censure Israel for moving its government. It also asks Israel to help UN draft charter for city. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion of Israel announces that Jerusalem will become capital of Israel on January 1,1950. UN Trusteeship council asks Israel to call off transfer of its government to Jerusalem. UN economic survey mission plans several projects to be covered by the aid program for Arab refugees including irrigation and hydroelectric development in Arab Palestine and Arab countries. Israel and Jordan ease armistice restrictions so pilgrims can attend Christmas services in Bethlehem. Most people in Holy Land are UN personnel and diplomats, because Jordan prohibits other pilgrims from returning directly to Israel. Israel refuses UN trusteeship council request that it remove its capital from modern Jerusalem. Israel claims there are too many obstacles to an international Jerusalem whether or not it is a Jewish capital. Jews claim general assembly's attempt to internationalize the city is an "attempt to cancel liberty", December 1949.
► International refugee organization-Palestine -- 0161 : United Nations lands with 700 Jews from Italy. British Navy escorts Pan York and Pan Crescent to Cyprus. Jewish agency purchases U.S. war surplus high explosives. Series of Jewish bombings. British denounce Jewish attacks. Jews ask why British did not denounce Arab attacks. Bombing of Semiramis Hotel. Arabs from Syria go to Palestine; Lebanon protests when Syrians cross Lebanon to reach Palestine. British convoy of food for Jews is besieged in Old City of Jerusalem. First meeting of UN Palestine Committee. Strong Arab attacks occur near Jerusalem, Lydda, and Jaffa, all in Palestine. Jewish agency announces it is ready with an interim government whenever UN decides in favor of partition. U.S. war assets administration, on orders of secretary of the army, cancels sale of M-3 explosives to Jewish agency. FBI arrests six New York men on charges of trying to ship 60,000 pounds of TNT to Haganah. British give UN committee secret report on plans to leave Palestine. British also defend selling of arms to Arab states. They say arms are bought under friendship treaties which cannot be suspended except for violations of UN charter. British intend for Palestinian troops to be transferred to Cyprus. Moshe Shertok, political head of Jewish agency, discusses Jewish case before UN Palestine committee. He stresses need for international army in Palestine or approval for Jewish militia to import arms. Arab League announces that once British leave, all of Palestine will be occupied by Arabs. Arab-Jewish clashes in Haifa, Palestine. Arabs continue boycott of entire partition plan. British refuses to comply with UN General Assembly's request that port and inland areas be open to Jews in Palestine. British intend to keep 1,500-a-month quota. Violence almost at halt for Moslem holy rites. UN committee intends to tell security council that armed backing of their plan is vital. U.S. dislikes idea of sending troops to Palestine. Battle outside Jerusalem. Golda Myerson (later Golda Meir) of Jewish agency tells committee that Jews must arm against Arab threats. Moshe Shertok, political head of Jewish agency, asks UN to encourage U.S. to lift embargo on arms to Middle East. Jewish agency recruits for Haganah. Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, of Jewish agency, campaigns for American support for armed backing of partition. British warn Arab league of Transjordan that its subsidy will be withdrawn if it attacks Palestinian Jews. Arab Higher Committee announces that Arabs are storing six-month supply of food to prepare for war. Secretary of state had confirmed embargo and now announces that Americans will lose passports if they fight for either side. UN Palestine committee decides to help Jews organize defense force. British government tells UN Palestine committee it will not let Jews organize and train militia before mandate is surrendered. British dislike partition plan and announce Palestine committee will only be protected for two weeks before mandate ends. British officials say that 1,000 Russian-speaking communists were aboard Pan York and Pan Crescent, January 1948.
► 0170 : Arab army, who never recognized truce, attacks Jews from Nazareth. Egypt allows Jewish food convoy to go to settlements in Negeb. At their meeting, Zionist Organization of America pledges support to Israel. In Nuremberg, expense account of German foreign minister shows that Haj Amin el Husseini, exiled mufti of Jerusalem, and Rashid Ali el Ghailani, former Iraqi premier, were entertained by Germans during World War ll. Count Folke Bernadotte meets with Arabs. Israeli government accuses British of hampering Israel's economic growth by blocking $400 million in Palestine sterling balances without negotiation. King Abdullah says Arabs will rely on arms. Both sides reject Count Bernadotte's peace plan, which called for union of Arab and the Jewish states in Palestine and Transjordan. Each state would have full control over internal and foreign affairs. Immigration would continue fortwo years, after which the council would rule if economic capacity were being exceeded. Arabs declare that they will never recognize a Jewish state and talk of resuming war. Jews dislike Arab control of Jerusalem and a limit on immigration. Israel announces it is holding Peter Bergson, copresident of American league for a free Palestine, on charge of "armed resistance" following Altalena incident. Count Folke Bernadotte proposes that Jerusalem and Haifa, Palestine, be given neutral status. Jews agree on demilitarization of Jerusalem, but reject a neutral Haifa. Arabs accept a neutral Haifa, but reject demilitarization of Jerusalem. After both sides' rejections, Bernadotte appeals to the UN security council. Dr. Emanuel Neumann is reelected president of Zionist Organization of America. Commandant Rene La Barriere, French officer attached to UN truce committee, is killed when his jeep strikes a land mine in Nazareth. UN security council appeals to both sides to extend truce. Arab delegation walks out when representative of Israel is seated. Stern Group executes Rosa Beiser on charges of spying for British and Arabs. Haganah convicts one of its air force officers of espionage for British. Irgun kidnaps five Britons on spying charges. Dr. Philip C. Jessup, U.S. representative from UN security council, says if Arabs reject truce extension, U.S. will support action against them. Syria replies that they are "ready to be killed by atomic bombs" and Russia. U.S. and French warships take 200 UN observers aboard at Haifa, Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte requests extension of truce, which Arabs reject and Jews accept.Arabs accuse Jews of violating truce, performing continued aggressions, smuggling arms and immigrants, burning Arab villages, and other atrocities. UN security council appeals for truce. Tel Aviv, Palestine, is bombed by Egyptian planes. Israel claims that Egypt struck before truce expired. Arabs and Jews shell Jerusalem. Arab League offers counterproposals to Bernadotte's earlier peace plans. Instead of federal state, Arabs want provisional unitary government which Arabs would control. Minorities would have rights, but new Jewish immigrants would be denied citizenship. Provisional Palestine administration is established, which will deal in essential services in Arab areas but will not be political. Israel uses tanks for first time, capturing the Lydda airfield and Arab Legion stronghold of Wilhelma. It is reported that 35,000 Arab troops and 40,000 Israeli troops are in Palestine. Israel claims that Egypt violated truce on July 7 and 8. An Egyptian order had been found, ordering troop movements. U.S. secretary of state George C. Marshall believes that Arabs are to blame, but he leaves matter to council. Count Folke Bernadotte leaves Rhodes, Greece, to go to New York and report to UN. It is revealed that Count Bernadotte offered all of Arab Palestine to King Abdullah if he would favor a truce. A B-17 flying fortress of USAF veterans is forced down in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They refuse to give their destination and are sent back to New York. Count Folke Bernadotte reports to Council: Arabs oppose Jewish state and immigration; they will fight to the limit of their capacity; the Jews do not fear Arab threat. Therefore, UN has two alternatives: (1) make it unprofitable for Arabs to war against Jews; or (2) let two sides fight it out. British hold up subsidy payment to Legion pending outcome of UN security council debate. Jews capture Lydda and Ramie, Palestine. Fighting occurs in Jerusalem, Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte recommends that sanctions or force be used against any side that persists in waging war. Or. Philip C. Jessup of U.S., favoring Count Bernadotte's ideas, declares that Palestine war is threat to peace. He suggests an unconditional cease-fire within 24 hours in Jerusalem and a truce within three days in Palestine. Truce would continue until a peaceful adjustment was made. Restrictions would be placed on the number of fighting men and weapons. If any side rejects or violates truce, UN Security Council would take action. Norwegian member of UN guards is killed while escorting ambulances. Chief UN observer, Colonel Brunson, says there is complete disregard for UN flag. Jews control Rah el Ain, rail junction which controls Jerusalem, Palestine, water supply. Passengers from Marine Carp arrive in New York from Lebanon. En route to New York, 13 "jump ship". U.S. seizes two Constellations in Millville, New Jersey, forfearthey will be flown to Palestine. Light air raids transpire in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, all in Palestine; Cairo, Egypt; and Damascus, Syria. UN security council decides Palestine conflict is menace to world peace. Sanctions or force is threatened. It is the first time in UN history that council invokes article 39, chapter VII of charter. Partial blackout enforced in Egypt. Arabs and Israelis agree to cease-fire. Jews capture Nazareth. London report says Israel is importing German-model fighter planes from Czechoslovakia. Loy Henderson, former director of Office of Near Eastern and African affairs in U.S. State Department, is appointed ambassador to India by President Truman. Zionists have called Henderson pro-Arab. Joseph Satterthwaite becomes new director of office. Before Jerusalem truce takes effect, Irgun and Stern Group combine to attack Arab-held old city. Fighting ceases in Jerusalem, Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte leaves for Middle East to resume mediation efforts. Arabs accept cease-fire but oppose indefinite truce. They make the following demands to UN: (1) a complete halt to Jewish immigration; (2) a return of 300,000 Palestinian Arab refugees to their homes in Israeli-held areas; and (3) a time limit to truce. Arabs protest truce outside palace of King Abdullah of Transjordan. The King tells them they should be in army rather than protesting. Arabs blow up pumping station in Latrun, Palestine, halting Jerusalem's water supply. Mob in Cairo, Egypt, stones Stephen Haas, American tourist, to death. Haas, Philadelphia realtor, was active in Jewish affairs but was in Cairo as tourist. B-17 which was forced down in Halifax, Nova Scotia, lands in the Azores. The crew is impounded and will not give their destination, but it is suspected to be Palestine. U.S. embassy protests death of Stephen Haas. Britain demands end to Egyptian attacks on British. It is reported that Israel has claimed possession of 810 square miles of Arab territory. Arabs hold 205 square miles of Jewish territory. Jews put oil refinery in Haifa, Palestine, into operation. Moshe Shertok, Jewish agency, says Israel is prepared to give Arab countries free use of ports of Haifa and Jaffa, Palestine; however, the ports would not be placed under joint Jewish-Arab or international control. Crew of B-17 returns to New York. Pilot is arraigned on charges of violating presidential arms embargo. British protest seizure of oil refinery partly owned by British company. Israel decrees that New City of Jerusalem is Jewish-occupied area. UN security council rejects Syrian resolution to ask international court of Justice for advisory ruling on whether UN has any jurisdiction over Palestine. Arab Legion's and Transjordan's subsidy payments from Britain are restored, July 1948.
► 0171 : Israel appoints Dr. Bernard Joseph as military governor of Jerusalem, Palestine. In UN Security Council session British offer to start relief fund for Arab refugees. King Abdullah says both Jews and Arabs should consider compromise. Israel demands that British release 11,000 Jews from Cyprus. Israel invites all Arab League states to open direct Holy Land peace discussions. They submit their request to Count Folke Bernadotte. Count Bernadotte recommends that UN Security Council affirm right of Arab refugees to return to theirformer homes in Israeli territory. Israel objects. Count Folke Bernadotte conveys Israel's message to Arab League. Before he had conveyed message, Egypt had already denounced it because Moshe Shertok, Jewish Agency, opposed readmitting 250,000 to 300,000 Arab refugees to Jewish-controlled areas in advance of a peace settlement and had refused to discuss demilitarization of Jerusalem with Arabs. UN relief expert Sir Raphael Alento says Arab refugees are now as much a UN problem as were the Jewish displaced persons in Europe. U.S. says it will support Israel's application to UN next month. Count Folke Bernadotte insists that Arabs and Jews stop new flare-up of fighting in Jerusalem. Latrun, Palestine, pumping station is blown up. Britain says it will donate $400,000 of tents and medical supplies from Middle East military stocks to any suitable international organization that will use the supplies for the relief of Arab refugees. Israel demands that UN fix a time limit for truce. Egypt tells Count Folke Bernadotte that Israel's offer of direct talks is rejected. They refuse to discuss any plan which would partition Palestine. Israel demands that Bernadotte take action against Arab attacks. New Israeli pound is offered by government. Arab League fires on UN truce team jeep in Latrun, Palestine.U.S., France, and Belgium decline Count Folke Bernadotte's request to send large forces to Palestine. Secretary of State George C. Marshall suggests that truce teams be doubled. UN Security Council warns both Jews and Arabs against breaking Holy Land truce. Count Folke Bernadotte reports that clashes in Jerusalem, Palestine, are getting out of hand. Aubrey S. Eban asks all UN nations to support Israel's admittance to UN. Arab League leaders meet. Brigadier John Bagot Glubb seeks aid for Arabs in London. Sir Alexander Cadogan refuses Israel's request for admittance to the UN. Israel proposes that it hold peace talks with each Arab country. Zionist General Council meets. Dr. Abba Hillel Silver says that he hopes President Truman will give political and economic support for Israel. World Jewish Congress asks that UN consider Egyptian treatment of Jews. Jews claim that 150 Jews were murdered and hundreds wounded in Cairo, Egypt, during June and July. Egypt invades Jewish-held Talpioth, a Jerusalem, Palestine, suburb. Israel releases five leaders of Irgun who were arrested in June for truce violations. Two French UN observers die when their plane is fired on near Gaza. A French observer is wounded during Arab shelling of Jewish lines in Mount Zion. Israel demands that UN protect Jews who abide by the truce. Egypt agrees to let Israel send convoys to 35 isolated Negeb settlements, August 1948.
► 0181 : State Department refuses to permit emigration of men aged 18 to 45 to Israel from U.S.-controlled displaced persons camps in Germany and Europe, except in cases approved by Count Folke Bernadotte. State Department orders Czechoslovakia to halt movement of fighter planes and weapons to Israel because this is a violation of Palestine truce. Export-Import Bank of the U.S. postpones action on $100 million loan to Israel due to "unsettled political conditions". World Zionist Organization Committee ends session. They reject a demand by U.S. delegates that all Israel cabinet members withdraw from the executive. The ministers, however, do resign. Jewish Agency for Palestine decides to spend funds only for charities not for security, political, or propaganda purposes. American Red Cross agrees to survey Arab refugee situation. Jews and Arabs agree to create second neutral UN-Red Cross zone. This agreement is brought about by General Aage Lundstroem, chief of staff to UN mediator Count Folke Bernadotte.UN announces that Bernadotte's appeal for relief of Arab refugees has been answered by 14 countries and many relief agencies. Paraguay recognizes Israel. Count Folke Bernadotte tells an American delegate to the UN that the General Assembly must take up the Palestine question because hostilities will resume. He intends to withdraw as mediator if hostilities do resume. Count Folke Bernadotte orders Israel to readmit 8,000 Arab refugees driven from three villages near Haifa, Palestine, by attacks which had violated the truce. In Rhodes, Greece, Count Folke Bernadotte completes work on his UN report. He calls Jerusalem "a trigger-happy city". Arab-Jewish artillery duels in Jerusalem. Jews had not wanted demilitarization of the city for fear of the Arab armies surrounding it. El Salvador recognizes Israel. Count Bernadotte is assassinated in Jerusalem, Palestine, allegedly by Stern Group. Andre Pierre Serot, chief of the French UN truce observer team, is also killed. Israel orders roundup of Stern suspects. UN secretary general Trygve Lie demands that UN stop procrastinating and raise an international guard to protect peacemakers. Hazit Hamoledet (Homeland of Fatherland Front) claims responsibility for assassinations. Hazit Hamoledet is branch of Stern Group which commits acts of violence to avoid implicating Sternists. They claim that Count Bernadotte was working for British, and they had boasted that they would kill UN emissaries to prevent an Arab-Jewish compromise. Sternists are also against demilitarization of Jerusalem, which Bernadotte had sought. Sternist leader Nathan Friedman Yellin and his political adviser Dr. Israel Scheib flee from Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte's body is escorted to Haifa, Palestine, by Israeli guards. Ralph Bunche is appointed by Security Council as temporary successor to Count Bernadotte. Bunche tells Foreign Minister Moshe Shertokthat Israel must take full responsibility for assassination as a breach of truce. Israeli officials protest; they say they are rounding up suspects. Jewish Jerusalem is under curfew. Irgun denounces assassins. James G. McDonald, special U.S. representative to Israel, is warned by terrorists that U.S. is not wanted in Israel. Arabs claim Bernadotte's death is proof that Israel cannot control Jewish extremists. Secretary of State George C. Marshall says that efforts to make peace will continue, that the world will not permit a new outbreak of general warfare in Palestine, and that the assassination will not affect U.S. support to Israel. UN secretary general Trygve Lie calls on Security Council to organize UN guard force to protect truce observers. Jacob A. Malik of Soviet Union condemns killing and suggests that UN enforce 1947 partition plan. Count Folke Bernadotte's and Andre Pierre Serot's bodies are flown from Haifa, Palestine, to Paris, France, for memorial service. Irgun and Stern Group announce their dissolution. Members will join the Israeli army. Irgun and Stern Group deny any part in Count Folke Bernadotte's assassination. Count Bernadotte's last paper is published in Paris. Paper calls for recognition of Israel, but parts of Bernadotte's plan displease Jews and Arabs: Israel now exists, a fact Arabs cannot change; Israel cannot annex Arab territory; Israel will be admitted to UN. Plan also calls for merging of Transjordan and Arab Palestine. Transjordan will be admitted to UN. Haifa harbor (Jews) and Lydda Airport (Arabs) will be considered free ports. Jerusalem will be international city. Arab refugees should be allowed to return to their homes or compensated for their losses. Plans are made to expand provisions for refugees. It is reported that during seven weeks of truce, there were 288 complaints of violations (183 against Jews, 105 against Arabs). Arabs approve Bernadotte's relief program, but criticize UN for creation of refugee problem. Israeli cabinet adopts emergency regulations for prevention of terrorism. Irgun surrenders military supplies stolen from British. Three hundred suspected members of Hazit Hamoledet are arrested. Arab League announces it is establishing an Arab government for Palestine in Gaza. King Abdullah of Transjordan bars Gaza government from operating within security zone of his government. Secretary of State George C. Marshall and British foreign minister Ernest Bevin support plan. Arabs reject plan; they insist on no partition of Palestine. Jews accuse Arabs of attacks near Latrun, Palestine. Israel announces it is willing to discuss Count Bernadotte's proposals. Main objections are to the surrender of Negeb, an area planned for large-scale development, and to internationalization of Jerusalem. U.S. orders Greek Aid Mission to send food to Middle East refugees. Arabs accuse Jews of shooting down Arab airliner. Dead include two British reporters. Memorial service is held for eight UN representatives killed in Palestine. Twenty-six Sternists escape, but 25 are recaptured. Andrei Vishinsky of Soviet Union blames U .S. for ruining 1947 partition plan. Count Folke Bernadotte is buried in Stockholm. UN mediator Ralph Bunche demands that Israel and Transjordan stop fighting along Israel's "Burma Road," a road going to Jerusalem from Latrun,Palestine, area. Israel admits that Arab plane was shot down, but claims that plane had violated Israeli-held Upper Galilee. Mufti of Jerusalem Haj Amin el Husseini returns to Gaza. Nathan Friedman Yellin and his aide Matiiyahu Schmurkwitz are captured by Israeli police in Tel Aviv, Palestine. President Chaim Weizmann of Israel arrives in Israel after recovering from an operation in Geneva, September 1948.
► 0194 : Haj Amin el Husseini is elected president of Arab Palestine National Assembly. UN Truce Committee cables UN Security Council that truce in Jerusalem has been sabotaged by misconduct of Jewish forces under Dr. Bernard Joseph, Israel's military governor for Jerusalem. Jews deny Truce Committee's charges. Arab Palestine National Assembly proclaims Palestine an independent Arab state. Transjordan objects. Jews are considered invaders. Israeli president Chaim Weizmann relinquishes his British citizenship but urges friendly British-Israel relations. Hesays President Truman told him U.S. will support Jewish claims to Negeb, an area to be allotted to Arabs by Bernadotte plan. Israel tells UN it does not intend to surrender Negeb. Moshe Shertok discusses Bernadotte plan with Secretary of State George C. Marshall.Air raids occur in Tel Aviv and Haifa, Palestine. Moshe Shertok, Jewish Agency official, announces territory demands of Israel: Western Galilee, modern Jerusalem, and land corridor between Jerusalem and rest of Israel. Eventually Israel and Arabs will have to settle their differences by direct negotiations. Israel favors annexation of Arab Palestine by Transjordan.Arab League insists on unpartitioned Palestine. Israeli army had fought off Egyptian attacks near Negeb. UN Truce Mission demands that both sides stop serious breaches of truce. UNRRA Governing Committee allots money given to International Children's Emergency Fund to be used for Palestinian refugees.Israel signs with Shell and Socony companies to ensure adequate oil supply for Israel. In Jaffa, Palestine, police fortress, 170 Sternists rebel.Israeli troops put down rebellion and prisoners are moved to Acre, Palestine. New Arab government in Gaza is recognized by Egypt and Iraq. U.S. refuses to recognize Gaza government because it is opposed by Transjordan king Abdullah's Arab faction.Police who let Sternists out of jail for a holiday are arrested. Israel asks Security Council to compel Arabs to negotiate with Israel. Britain, China, and France in Security Council session charge that Israel is to blame for Bernadotte-Serot assassinations. UN mediator Ralph Bunche pleads to General Assembly Political Committee for adoption of Bernadotte peace plan. He tells Security Council that truce will collapse unless UN finds way for Arabs and Jews to respect UN truce teams.New Arab government in Gaza is recognized by Saudi Arabia.Egypt attacks Jewish convoy which had tried to run through Egypt's Negeb blockade. Israel and Egypt clash near Negeb in defiance of cease-fire demand issued by Brigadier General William E. Riley, UN chief of staff in Palestine.Israel refuses to halt military action unless Egypt does same.Israel conducts ground raids against Egypt in Iraq al-Manshiyya, northeast of Gaza.Egypt bombs Jewish localities in same area.Israeli planes attack Gaza, Beersheba, and Faluja. Israel bombs Gaza. In Jerusalem Jews form new roadblock.Arabs steal UN jeep near Mount Scopus. In astatement issued without notifying Secretary of State George C. Marshall, President Truman says Bernadotte plan is merely a basis for new negotiations and he criticizes Thomas Dewey (Republican presidential nominee) for making Palestine a campaign issue.Israel stops Syrian attacks in Upper Galilee. President Truman orders Export-Import Bank of the U.S. to resume negotiations for a loan to Israel. Fighting increases in Jerusalem. Senator Robert A. Taft (Ohio) says President "i ruman's statement endorses both UN partition plan and Bernadotte plan.He criticizes Truman's handling of Palestine issue and the many reversals in U.S. policy toward Palestine.Security Council holds emergency session to discuss Egypt's claims of Israeli aggression. Aubrey S. Eban, spokesman for Jews, declares Israel will defy UN mediator Ralph Bunche's request to give up its gains in Negeb.Israel proposes negotiations with Egypt to consider new frontiers between Israel and Egypt. Iraqui troops attack Jenin-Tulkarm-Nablus, the "Arab Triangle'"southeast of Jaffa, Palestine.New Israeli settlement in Tel Aviv, Palestine, is dedicated.Death of Dr. Judah L. Magnes, president of Hebrew University. Israeli premier David Ben-Gurion pleads for separate, permanent peace between Israel and Egypt.Britain, China, France, Belgium, and Canada call for resolution to create committee to determine if any sanctions should be used against Israel.Resolution receives implied support of U.S. Soviet Union calls for delay in voting on resolution. President Truman plans to carry out Democrats' platform promises to Israel. He tells American friends of Israel that U.S. policy toward Israel must be meshed with foreign policy around the world.John Foster Dulles, U.S. delegate to UN General Assembly, advises Thomas Dewey to make immediate statement on his views, to guide U.S. delegation.Dulles does not favor sanctions against Israel. British and Chinese call for sanctions against Israel if it does not give up gains in Negeb.International Children's Emergency Fund votes for aid to Palestinian refugees.In session of UN General Assembly's Social Committee British propose that UN raise $30 million for relief of 500,000 Arab refugees in the Middle East.Large-scale Jewish offensive conducted in Galilee. Secretary of State George C. Marshall and British foreign minister Ernest Bevin meet to discuss Palestine and other issues.Israeli troops battle for Galilee against Lebanese troops.UN chief of staff William Riley appeals for cease-fire, but both sides ignore appeal. Israeli troops complete conquest of Galilee and move into Lebanon.Entire Northern Palestine border is now under Jewish control.Arab government in Gaza is recognized by Afghanistan.Soviet Union blames U.S. and Britain for creation of refugee problem, October 1948.
► 0218 : Dr. William Haber, adviserto U.S. Army on Jewish Affairs, reports Jewish displaced persons are leaving Germany at rate of 4,000 a month. Since May 15,15,000 have left.Israel Corporation of America, which was formed in New York in partnership with Jewish Agency for Palestine, announces plans for huge housing development to accommodate 10,000 immigrants a month in Israel. Israel begins full-scale colonization of Negeb; Beersheba is planned center of project. Israel defies UN instruction to leave Lebanon. Fighting subsides; UN mediator Ralph Bunche's efforts bring about ceasefire. Turkey stops issuing permits for Turkish Jews to go to Israel. Jews get passports to go to Italy, but go to Israel instead. King Abdullah of Transjordan is rumored to be making secret peace inquiries. Israel denies. UN Security Council passes a modified version of British-Chinese resolution of sanctions against Israel. Resolution calls for (1) Israel and Egypt to go back to October 14 lines; (2) new truce lines to be negotiated; and (3) if points (1) and (2) are disobeyed, a Big Five Belgian-Colombian committee to decide if measures will be taken under Chapter VII of UN Charter.Israel protests and claims it is being threatened. Egypt retreats from Negeb. Israeli troops observe retreat but hold fire. American Zionist Emergency Council demands that President Truman take care of "a great injustice. " Arabs protest that UN chief of staff William E. Riley advised them to negotiate for peace. UN mediator Ralph Bunche denies that Riley gavesuch advice.Arab Legion denies November 2 rumors of King Abdullah's peace efforts. Israeli government admits it had bought military equipment from several places including Czechoslovakia but denies it received help from Soviet Union. Israel captures Iraq Suweidan police fortress at northern entrance of Negeb. Israel charges that British troops reentered Palestine from Transjordan to help Arabs; British deny. UN rules that Jews are in violation of truce. Jews had arrested two UN officers who tried to observe Negeb battle. Israeli premier David Ben-Gurion confirms that talks are under way between Israel and two Arab governments (presumed to be Egypt and Transjordan). Israel is opposed to new UN proposal whereby Israeli troops give up recent gains in Negeb. In original partition plan, Negeb is consigned to Jews.Ben-Gurion claims dispute can be settled in four weeks if U.S. stops Britain from interfering with Arabs' wish to talk peace terms. UN mediator Ralph Bunche orders Israel to give up Iraq Suweidan. President Truman feels that direct Arab-Jewish negotiations might work. He also advocates a full recognition of Israel and aid for 500,000 Arab refugees in Middle East. UN Security Council listens to plan by UN mediator Ralph Bunche. Israel would withdraw to October 14 lines.Egypt would stay where it had retreated in Negeb fighting. A large part of Negeb would be demilitarized pending UN negotiations for peace.Israel rejects part of plan in which Beersheba would be under Arab administration. Plan is endorsed by Council's special committee on Negeb and Bunche orders Egypt and Israel to carry out plan. In his address to Political Committee, Moshe Shertok declares that Israel will fight before it gives up Negeb.Israel announces its peace conditions: (1) Jewish control of modern Jerusalem corridor to remainder of Israel; (2) no Arab use of Haifa port or Lydda airport except under Israeli terms; (3) retention of Western Galilee as long as area is needed for Israel's defense; and (4) no readmission of Arab refugees to Israel until peace is established.Israel also requests UN admission. Salah el-Kuntar, leader of Druse tribesmen's National Army, says Druses want their 4,000-square-mile area shifted from Syria to Israel. Druses helped drive Syrian troops out of Upper Galilee. Arabs insist on not recognizing Israel. UN Security Council demands that Israel and Egypt negotiate Negeb armistice directly or through UN mediator Ralph Bunche. This demand does not alter previous order calling for demilitarization of Negeb. At convention American Federation of Labor backs U.S. aid to Israel. King Abdullah of Transjordan hopes for a "real peace" to replace "semi-peace". He suggests that "the Israelis should be more reasonable" and the Arabs "should accept the logical". British state minister Hector McNeil offers Political Committee a resolution calling for permanent settlement based on Bernadotte plan. Israel proposes compromise: it will withdraw all troops who arrived in Israel after October 14; troops who arrived before October 14 will stay to ensure that area does not fall to Egypt. Israel announces it is ready to begin armistice with Arabs. UN mediator Ralph Bunche accepts Israel's proposal. UN General Assembly approves $30 million fund for relief of Palestinian refugees (mostly Arabs), forming the UNRPR. Assembly asks UN member countries for contributions. Dr. Philip C. Jessup announces U.S. policy: any changes made in Israel's boundaries should be agreed on by Israel; Bernadotte plan is only a basis for negotiations. He suggests that Israel give up Negeb in compensation for Western Galilee gains and endorses UN membership for Israel. Parts of Benadotte plan to be considered are an international Jerusalem, the return of refugees to Palestine, and safeguarding of minorities. First preliminary armistice talks begin. William E. Riley, chief UN truce observer, meets separately with Israel Foreign Office officials and Egyptian commander Fouad Sadeh Bey. Israeli premier David Ben-Gurion praises King Abdullah of Transjordan and says he will meet with Abdullah and other Arab leaders anytime. Soviet Union and Poland call for partition plan for Palestine. In session of UN General Assembly's Political and Security Committee, Dr. Philip C. Jessup suggests that both Bernadotte and UN partition plans be considered in fixing Israeli boundaries. Israel would keep Galilee and pan: of Negeb. Aubrey S. Eban defends Jewish claims to both Galilee and Negeb. Israel stops unrestricted army recruiting but forms reserve with men aged 40 to 45. UN truce mission announces a provisional Arab-Jewish truce line. Arabs announce they will not negotiate with Israel except through UN. UN mediator Ralph Bunche recommends to Political Committee that UN try another strong appeal for Israel and Arabs to get together. He urges Israel's admittance to UN. Israel's Provisional Government Council announces it will hold first general elections on January 25. Persons aged 18 years or more will be eligible to vote. Israel-Egypt negotiations, through UN truce mission, for armistice in Negeb bog down. Problem is UN mediator Ralph Bunche's insistence on Security Council demand for Jewish withdrawals. Aubrey Eban tells subcommittee that Israel will not let large force of Egyptians withdraw from entrapment at Negeb until Arabs respond to Council's November 16 armistice resolution.Bulgaria recognizes Israel. Menahem Beigin, former Irgun commander in chief, visits New York mayor William O'Dwyer. Three U.S. religious leaders denounce Menahem Beigin, Irgun leader, as a terrorist. Israel applies for UN admission.Stanton Griff is is appointed director of the UN RPR. Colonel Moshe Dayan of Israel and Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah el Tell of Transjordan Arab Legion sign cease-fire agreement. American Council for Judaism asks Attorney General Tom C. Clark for a federal investigation of Menahem Beigin's U.S. activities, November 1948.
► 0221 : King Abdullah of Transjordan is proclaimed king of Palestine at a meeting of central Palestinian Arabs in Jericho. In reaction, riots occur in Damascus and Syrian premier Jamil Mardam Bey and his cabinet resign. President Chaim Weizmann of Israel calls for Jerusalem's new city to be incorporated into Israel. All faiths would be able to worship. Mission of the UN Mediator on the Palestine Disaster Relief Project meets with volunteer agencies. Dr. Pierre Descooeudres, chief of mission, reports that refugees in camps do not have good living conditions.More supplies are needed as well as a better system of transporting them. Refugees tend to feel frustrated and isolated, although the goal of the camps is to build a sense of social consciousness. The UN General Assembly Political and Security Committee passes a British-Canadian plan for a council commission on Palestine to negotiate a final peace settlement.The plan calls for (1) commission members to be appointed by Big Five; (2) an international Jerusalem; (3) a small UN guard to protect commission; and (4) aid to refugees. Plan mentions neither Bernadotte plan nor partition plan as basis for settlement. Israel-Iraq cease-fire is signed. Egypt attacks Jewish settlements in Negeb near Egyptian border, according to Jewish claims. Soviet Union argues for partition plan. President Truman announces he will ask Congress for money for Palestinian refugees. On the other hand, British wish to furnish supplies and money from UN working capital funds. Transjordan cabinet gives its consent to crowning of King Abdullah as king of united Palestine and Transjordan. British demand to Security Council's Negeb subcommittee that sanctions against Israel be implemented. Their reason is Israel's continued entrapment of an Egyptian force in Negeb. King Abdullah denounces Arab League-sponsored Palestine Army regime in Gaza. Egypt announces dissolution of Moslem Brotherhood, a fanatical national religious organization. Iraq is asked by Britain, U.S., and France to reopen oil pipeline from Iraq to Haifa, Palestine. Oil refined in Haifa will not be furnished to Israel. Winston Churchill, former British prime minister, appeals to Parliament to end "sulky boycott" of Jewish state. Israel agrees to UN truce mission's request to let a trapped Egyptian force withdraw from Faluja in Negeb. UN adopts resolution 194. The new Conciliation Committee for Palestine is set up by UN General Assembly. Its roles are to promote direct negotiation or act as a go-between, to cooperate with Jerusalem authorities until the city is internationalized, to safeguard religious shrines, and to work for repatriation, resettlement, and economic and social rehabilitation of Holy Land refugees permitted to return home.Refugees number 500,000 Arabs and 10,000 Jews.King Farouk of Egypt and Syrian foreign minister disclose that they had warned King Abdullah of Transjordan not to annex Palestine. Israel and Transjordan let Christians travel to Bethlehem on Christmas pilgrimages. Transjordan Parliament authorizes King Abdullah to accept sovereignty over Arab Palestine and Transjordan defying a warning by council of Ulemas (a group of scholars and highest spiritual authority in Moslem world). Israel breaks off negotiation for local truce agreements and demands future peace talks for all of Palestine. Egypt charges that Jews announced new attack on Faluja garrison. New Syrian cabinet is appointed. From Yugoslavia 4,100 Jews leave by ship for Israel. Israel denies Egyptian charges and says the charges were made to damage Israel's chances for admittance to UN. UN mediator Ralph Bunche announces that a final solution to Palestine conflict is well on its way. King Abdullah of Palestine appoints Sheikh Hussan Medin Jarallah as mufti of Jerusalem. Haj Amin el Husseini is recognized as mufti of Jerusalem by other Arab states. Nathan Friedman Yellin, who went on trial December 5, denies he was involved in Bernadotte assassination. Syria bans Life and Newsweek because of their increased Zionist propaganda. Efforts of UN Truce Committee to arrange Israel-Egypt armistice conference break down. Israel attacks Egyptian troops near Gaza, Nirim, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. Pilgrims are allowed to enter Bethlehem, but have to pass through Jewish and Arab checkpoints. Egypt conducts air raids on Nazareth, Haifa, and Tel Aviv, all in Palestine. Canada recognizes Israel. The International Children's Emergency Fund reports that there are 750,000 refugees from Holy Land warfare. Egyptian control in Negeb is almost wiped out by Israel. Israel's 100,000th immigrant since state proclamation arrives. International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (of American Federation of Labor) donates $250,000 and lends $500,000 to Israel. Sixty-four central Palestinian Arab towns endorse King Abdullah. In report to UN Security Council, truce observers blame Israel for new outbreak of war. Arabs refuse to open pipeline to Haifa, Palestine, until their "just demands" are met. Egyptian premier Mahmoud Fahmy Nokrashy Pasha is assassinated by members of the Moslem Brotherhood for his failure to win war in Palestine. Ibrahim Abdel Hadi is appointed new premier of Egypt. Israel bombs Gaza. Egypt and Israel battle in Faluja. UN Security Council demands a cease-fire in Negeb. Israel declares it will continue offensive until Egypt agrees to peace talks. UN mediator Ralph Bunche urges Palestine Conciliation Committee to begin work. Israel occupies area near the Egyptian border. British insist that Israel follow the decisions of UN Security Council. Egyptian warship halts Israel-bound British freighter near Haifa, Palestine. Israel considers cease-fire and partially lifts blackout of news concerning Negeb fighting. Egypt had lost land assigned to Arabs under the 1947 plan. Israel will not give up any land until there is peace, December 1948.
► 0226 : Egypt bombs Tel Aviv, Palestine. Israel warns that one more bombing will mean the bombing of Cairo, Egypt. A delegation from Yemen visits King Abdullah and expresses its opposition to the annexation of central Palestine. Modern Jerusalem is hit by three bombs. Egypt accepts cease-fire.Israel is considering a cease-fire, but Israeli attacks continue. State Department asks Israel for details about Egyptian offensive. U.S. tells Israeli government that the incident embarrassed Britain because of its treaty. U.S. warns Cairo, Egypt, against action. Israel tells U.S. it never intended to hold Egyptian territory. Jews claim the British are sending troops and planes to Transjordan. British are encouraging Arabs not to negotiate peace. Jewish Agency reports 130,000 immigrants entered Palestine in 1948. British foreign minister Ernest Bevin asks U.S. to exert pressure on Israel to retreat to November 4 boundaries in the Negeb. U.S. replies that responsibility should be handled by UN Security Council. Britain replies that Israel is still blocking road in Egypt. British also claim Israel is getting arms from Czechoslovakia despite UN embargo. New Transjordan cabinet is appointed. New cease-fire is in effect. Israel claims trapped Egyptian garrison at Faluja is still firing. UN Security Council's seven-nation committee's session on possible use of sanctions against truce violators is adjourned pending armistice talks. Israel raids southern Palestine. In Egypt, 35 miles from the border, Israel shoots down 4 RAF reconnaissance planes before cease-fire takes effect. British warn that they will become involved in war if Israel invades Egypt and Transjordan. Dr. J.D. Cottrell, medical officer of World Health Organization, is appointed adviser to UN relief plan for Palestine refugees. Report from the camps indicates that disease is widespread. British send troops to Aqaba, located on southern tip of Negeb. British order any Jewish plane to be considered hostile. Israel claims that one plane that fired on RAF was Egyptian. British address protests to Jewish authorities rather than Israeli government. Israeli consular general Arthur Louris refuses to relay British messages.Arab League secretary general Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha expresses his regret to Egypt that other Arabs hesitated to help them. British announce that warships and troops are waiting in Mediterranean to back protests of Israel's actions. Israel protests to UN Security Council concerning British reinforcement of Aqaba, Transjordan, and concerning British shipment of arms to Egypt. UN secretary general Trygve Lie tells British to withdraw from the dispute with Israel. U.S. urges Britain not to make dispute a major issue.British, however, keep their Mediterranean forces on alert. Israel complains to UN Security Council that presence of British military in Middle East is endangering peace talks. British denounce Jewish aggression in Negeb. They say Security Council should enforce a recent resolution which called for Jewish withdrawal from Negeb. Arabs claim British promised to stop arms shipments by sea. They criticize British for their failure to do so. Arms shipments are continued to Jews. Acting secretary of state Robert A. Lovett meets with representatives from Israel, Transjordan, and Britain. U.S. is concerned about British troop movements in Palestine before reinforcement of Aqaba. British say RAF pilot was watching Israeli movements near Egypt when plane was shot down. Anthony Eden, British Conservative leader, criticizes British foreign minister Ernest Bevin. Eden says RAF flights are purposeless and Bevin is endangering U.S.-Anglo relations. The British cabinet supports Bevin. In talks with Sir Oliver Franks, British ambassadorto U.S. President Truman claims that there is no strain on U.S.-British relations; that U.S. policy is the same as stated on November 20; that Israel will not lose Negeb unless Israel agrees to do so; that U.S. does not want any new trouble with Israel; and that Arabs should be encouraged to make peace. Truman also denies that the RAF flight was made under a joint U.S.-British decision to keep informed on Israel's movements in Egypt. UN armistice talks begin. Mediator Ralph Bunche talks with representatives of Israel and Egypt. After talks with Egypt, Bunche will meet with representatives from Transjordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Israel withdraws from four villages in Lebanon. UN mediator Ralph Bunche requests to UN Security Council that his mediation unit be dissolved. He wants a new Palestine Conciliation Committee. British foreign minister Ernest Bevin says British will release 11,000 Jews in Cyprus.Arabs should settle with Israel and try to get best possible terms. Export-Import Bank of the U.S. gives loan to Israel. Israel-Egypt negotiations at Rhodes, Greece, bog down in dispute over Negeb. The question is how much of Jewish gains in Negeb will be given up. Disagreement may upset earlier agreements concerning Egyptians in Faluja (January 17) and Egyptian retention of coastal area near Gaza. An American Jewish group pledges aid to Israel but says new state does not represent American Jews. France recognizes Israel. Israel's first elections are held; Mapai party of David Ben-Gurion wins. Italy recognizes Israel.Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin of Britain wins vote of support for his Israel policy in House of Commons, but is criticized by former British prime minister Winston Churchill. Bevin criticizes the U.S. and others for his lack of success in Palestine. Australia and Switzerland recognize Israel. Britain recognizes Israel. Netherlands and Luxembourg recognize Israel. India refuses to recognize Israel. Pakistan refuses to recognize Israel. President Truman grants full recognition to Israel, January 1949.
► 0290 : Transjordan accepts invitation to peace negotiations conducted by UN mediator Ralph Bunche. King Abdullah urges other Arab states to do so also.Israel cabinet decides to incorporate modern Jerusalem into Israel despite UN plans to make it an international city. Israel rejects Israel-Egypt frontier in Negeb. Ecuador and Denmark recognize Israel. UN mediator Ralph Bunche offers another proposal. Israel and Egypt meet in first direct conference. Lebanon and Syria agree to talks, but Lebanon wants Israeli troops off Lebanese soil. British appoint Alexander Knox Helm as first representative to Israel. Brazil recognizes Israel. Italy recognizes Israel. Israel sets expansion goal for 1949. Thus, negotiations begin with Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Rumania to allow 60,000 to 80,000 Jews to emigrate from these countries. Hungary refuses negotiations. Political prisoners receive amnesty, except for Sternists Nathan Friedman Yellin and Matityahu Shmulevitz, who were sentenced to eight and five years in prison, respectively. Transfer of Cyprus refugees to Palestine is completed in Haifa, Palestine. Iceland recognizes Israel. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee arrives in Cairo, Egypt, to begin tour of Arab countries. Ireland recognizes Israel. Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion says Jews would oppose UN plan for Jerusalem. Israel's first Knesset (Parliament) holds sessions in Jerusalem. U.S., Britain, France, and Turkey refuse to send diplomatic observers because they disapprove of the Jewish Agency as site of ceremonies. Objection is that UN had made Jerusalem an international city, yet Israel holds legislative sessions there. Eight hundred ninety immigrants leave Shanghai, China. These immigrants were Germans and Austrians who had fled to China in the 1930 is and then were forced into ghettoes by the Japanese. Argentina recognizes Israel. Chaim Weizmann is elected president of Israel. In a United Jewish Appeal funds dispute among Jewish groups, Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, president of the American sector of Jewish Agency, resigns. Dr. Emanuel Neumann, president of Zionist Organization of America, also resigns. An interim constitution is written for Israel. Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok says Jerusalem is important historically to Israel. He hopes that Arabs will agree to a plan giving modern city to Jews and old city to Arabs. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee had been discussing such a plan with Egypt. Egypt and Israel reach tentative agreement at Rhodes, Greece, armistice conference. Auja, near Egyptian border, is demilitarized. Beersheba, which was assigned to Arabs under partition plan but is now occupied by Israelis discussed. Export-Import Bank of the U.S. loans Israel $35,000,000 for agricultural development. Decision is made to reduce the Israeli army to small, mobile, peacetime force, manning "Weizmann line" of fortresses along boundaries. U.S. strongly denies Saudi Arabian accusations that they continue to ship arms to Jews, citing their rigorous arms embargo and prosecution of American citizens involved in any war activities. UN plane is hit by small-arms fire when passing Israel-Syria border. UN mediator Ralph Bunche submits plan of agreement between Israel and Egypt. Israel would have temporary control of Beersheba. Four hundred ninety-eight Jewish people from Shanghai, China, land in San Francisco. They will cross U.S. in sealed trains. Transjordan is authorized to speak for Iraq during Rhodes, Greece, talks. In negotiations with Transjordan, Israel discusses central Palestine, Beersheba, and eastern Negeb. A permanent Jewish-Arab division of Jerusalem is also discussed. Saudi Arabia says it will favor any agreement, providing rest of Arab League will accept agreement. Syria and Yemen do not accept arrangements. Egypt declares that agreement with Israel is military agreement, because Egypt still does not recognize Israel. Israel and Egypt sign armistice. Israel gets most of Negeb, except Auja which will be demilitarized and serve as UN armistice headquarters.Control of Beersheba depends on permanent settlement with Egypt and armistice with Transjordan. Egypt keeps Gaza. Both sides will withdraw forces from Negeb. President Truman declares he will give aid to all of Middle East. Mapam, a leftist Jewish group, says armistice does not uphold Jewish interests. Israel will not sign armistice with Transjordan until terms are approved by Israeli Assembly. Bolivia recognizes Israel. UN secretary general Trygve Lie cites Israel-Egypt armistice as good example of UN role as influence for peace. James Grover McDonald is appointed first U.S. ambassador to Israel. Eliahu Elath is appointed first Israel ambassador to U.S. Egyptians evacuate garrison at Faluja, February 1949.
► 0393 : Jewish National Fund announces plans to reclaim 25,000 acres of neglected Arab-owned land in Israel over next three years. This year, 198 new settlements will be established and Arab owners will be reimbursed. Nationalist China recognizes Israel and Transjordan. Israel-Lebanon talks are held. UN Palestine Committee invites Arab government to a meeting to discuss Palestinian refugees and permanent Arab peace with Israel. Dr. Bayard Dodge, president emeritus of American University, reports that Arab refugees number 873,000. Jewish immigrants from Shanghai, China, sail for Israel from New York. Israel Transjordan talks are held.Dr. Olga P. Fernberg of Joint Distribution Committee reports that 4,000 Jews who fled from Yemen to Aden in 1947 will be transferred to Israel. Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok says the British troops in Aqaba, Transjordan, are threat to peace. Israeli foreign minister Moshe Shertok changes his last name to Sharett, which means "servant" in Hebrew. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announces Israel's domestic plan. Immigration will be doubled and national center will be located in modern Jerusalem. Mapam refuses to join first Israeli cabinet. Arab Legion and Israel forces skirmish in southern Negeb near Aqaba, Transjordan. British voice their concern concerning Israel's holding territory in Negeb only two miles from Aqaba. Israel completes occupation of Negeb; Jews declare they had not and would not invade Transjordan territory. Israel and Transjordan sign cease-fire agreement.Ban on fighting is made permanent and is to be policed by UN regardless of whether the two countries reach full armistice. Truce does not affect Nablus-Jenin-Tulkarm "triangle" which is held by Iraq troops in north central Palestine. British say they will strengthen garrison in Aqaba, Transjordan. Austria recognizes Israel. Refugee report shows following population numbers: Lebanon-100,000 to 105,000; Syria-85,000 to 100,000; Transjordan-85,000; Iraq-5,000; Egypt-8,000 to 10,000; North Palestine-230,000; and South Palestine-225,000. (Numbers for Palestine only cover areas under Arab occupation.) Israel and Transjordan agree that armistice lines in Jerusalem will be based on November 30 truce. Jews will control modern Jerusalem. Arabs will control old Jerusalem. Private relief agencies working in Middle East meet. They complain that UNRPR is not using enough of already existing personnel and services; instead, UNRPR is struggling to set up its own agencies. Private relief agencies also complain about lack of recognition by UN. Cuba recognizes Israel. Transjordan asks for reinforcement of Aqaba by British. UN mediator Ralph Bunche reports that Syria has agreed to negotiate with Israel. Israel threatens to break off negotiations if British continue to meddle in Negeb. American Appeal for the Holy Land reports relief aid for refugees is hampered by lack of coordination between UN agency and volunteer agencies. The volunteer agencies complain they spent money on food, money which should have gone to social services. Lebanon and Israel sign armistice. UN mediator Ralph Bunche reports to the UN that both Syria and Transjordan violated truce by troop movements in Aqaba area. In New York Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin of Britain is picketed by Israeli sympathizers representing Joint Committee to Combat Anti-Semitism. Brigadier General Husni al Zaim becomes president of Syria. Minister of foreign affairs Amir Arslan resigns. Arslan had opposed "soft" attitude toward Israel, March 1949.
► 0661 : Philippines recognizes Israel. Israel and Transjordan sign armistice. Both sides are bound to decide issues with no aggression. Arab Legion will replace Iraqi army in north-central Palestine. There will be neutral zone between two countries, except Aqaba, where number of forces will remain the same. Committee of Arabs and Jews will work for peace with help from UN Security Council. Jews will control modern Jerusalem, and Arabs will control old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, and central Palestine. Dead Sea will be divided in half.There will be free travel on Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway and Jerusalem-Bethlehem highway. Jerusalem's water supply from Latrun, Palestine, which was cut by the Arabs, will be restored. Jews control Hadera-Afula road, northwest of Nablus-Jenin-Tulkarm. Syria-Israel talks begin. Dr. Mordecai Eliash, Israel's first minister to Britain, arrives in London. Syria charges that Israeli soldiers violated the border near meeting site. Mexico recognizes Israel. Syrians boycott talks. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion of Israel reports Israeli troops have been withdrawn from Syria. UN decides to delay Israel's admittance to UN; Israel still opposes an international Jerusalem. Israel-Syria cease-fire begins. Pope Pius XII asks Catholic nations in UN to support an international Jerusalem and all othersacred places in Holy Land. Pope is concerned about freedom of Catholics and Christians in Palestine. Truce permits Jews to visit old city for Passover. Some Christians are cleared to make Good Friday pilgrimage to Calvary. Syrian prime minister Muhsin al Barazi forms new Syrian cabinet. Barazi favors friendship with West, especially with U.S. Egypt settles with Transjordan. Egypt had opposed Transjordan's plan to annex Arab Palestine. Rabbi Stephen Wise dies. Israeli president Chaim Weizmann visits President Truman. He says Israel would welcome Arab refugees back if they did not have aggressive intentions. Transjordan is now called the Hashemite Jordan Kingdom; it is referred to as Jordan. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee opens its settlement conference in Lausanne, Switzerland. Israeli president Chaim Weizmann meets with Francis Cardinal Spellman. Israel still opposes UN administration of Jerusalem. Walter Etlan of the Israel Foreign Office says Arab displaced persons are an international project, April 1949.
► 0723 : As Jordan's Arab Legion withdraws there is an Arab-Jewish skirmish in Jerusalem. Syrian ban on travel and business by Jews is lifted. Israel celebrates first anniversary of Legislative Council's first meeting. Israel tells UN that Israel should not have to give up any land beyond boundaries of partition because partition resolution was based upon peaceful implementation, and has been erased by Arab revolts and invasion. They also say that refugee problem is the result of the Arab invasion. After most of Arab population evacuated Israel, its ethnic pattern and economic structure changed. Israel cannot take a double burden of Jewish immigration and a return of Arab refugees. Compensation to Arabs must be limited, because Israel cannot afford a large compensation plan. Jordan cabinet admits three Palestinian Arabs. Jews still resist an international Jerusalem; Arabs are upset about Jewish opposition. Israel joins UN. Conditions of admittance include compliance of resolutions 181 and 194. Zionist General Council closes its session. A budget for resettlement and relief of refugees was adopted. Syria and Israel break off armistice negotiations after Syria's refusal to withdraw troops from Mishmar Hay Yaiden, a frontier town in northeast Galilee captured by Israel. Canada recognizes Israel. Foreign minister reports Lebanon will not be able to take many refugees because of unemployment problem there.Arabs at Lausanne, Switzerland, demand that Absentee Act be abrogated to allow owners of groves and grove workers to return. They are concerned about damage to citrus groves. France recognizes Israel. Israel and Poland reach trade agreement. UN headquarters in Haifa, Palestine, is broken into; documents are taken, as well as envelopes addressed to Lausanne and files appear to have been rifled. Britain agrees to allow Israel to spend $14 million of Jewish assets frozen in Britain since 1948, May 1949.
► 0754 : At Lausanne, Switzerland, the refugee population numbers in each country are reported: Syria-60,000; Lebanon-100,000; Iraq-5,000; Egypt-15,000; Jordan-0; Gaza region-140,000; and the region in the Nablus-Jenin-Tulkarm "triangle"-180,000. Indirect Israel-Arab peace negotiations through the UN Palestine Conciliation Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, deadlock. U.S. demands that Israel relax its stand on return of Arab refugees and give Arabs land to compensate for Israeli gains in excess of partition plan. Israel demands that U.S. use economic pressure to force Arabs to discuss all issues concerning Palestine, not only Arab refugee problem. The Bank of America gives loan to be used to compensate Arabs who fled. UN mediator Ralph Bunche advises British not to resume sending arms to the Arabs until it is cleared with Security Council. He points out that ban on weapons in Middle East is still in effect. Senate Expenditures Subcommittee blames International Organization and nations of the world for failing to resettle more than 700,000 displaced persons still in Europe. They say that the problem will never be solved until immigration curbs are ended. Britain announces it will resume sending arms to Arab states. League of Red Cross Societies reports that more than $1 million of UN relief funds for Middle East refugees were wasted in excess profits for middlemen dealing in relief supplies. Israel resists U.S. pressure to break deadlock in UN Palestine Conciliation Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland. Arabs want to discuss refugee problem before discussing peace terms. They request that Israel admit some of the 560,000 to 800,000 Arab refugees. Major Aubrey Eban, of Israeli delegation to UN, protests British resumption of arms shipments to Arabs. The Baghdad Arabic Radio reports the war in Palestine will be resumed shortly. Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok of Israel speaks to Knesset: UN partition plan as well as internationalization of Jerusalem is void because Arabs attacked Israel; Israel should not give up any land that is in excess of partition plan. Arabs are trying to gain land politically because they could not gain land militarily; if Arab refugees are allowed to return before peace settlement, refugees could form army. Israel wants to obtain territory in Gaza from Egypt if 230,000 Arab refugees are readmitted to area; Syria wants more land on the Syrian-Israeli frontier near Galilee, a term Israel will never concede to. At UN, Israel continues its opposition. U.S. delegate Mark Ethridge wants Israel to admit 230,000 Arabs immediately. Arabs attack Jews in territory Israel gained from Jordan northeast of Jerusalem. UN secretary general Trygve Lie advances $1 million of UN funds to continue operations of UNRPR. UN is now helping 940,000 Palestinian Arabs. Rabbi Nathan Wise writes to President Truman, criticizing "Perfidious Albion," his name for Great Britain. He warns U.S. not to be deluded by Great Britain: Britain supplied arms to Arabs and used anti-Israel propaganda; failure of Lausanne Conference was caused by British. Leonard R. Cowles, member of Palestine Conciliation Committee, sends reply saying the conference did not fail.Dr. Walter Eytan, head of Israel delegation, reports to Palestine Conciliation Committee that many orange groves are beyond repair but some groves are being saved using Jewish and Arab labor. There is no need to hire extra labor. All refugees, including grove workers and owners, will be considered under peace plan. He also states that lawful Arab residents of Israel do not have frozen bank accounts. Baghdad Arabic Radio reports on weakness of Arabs, especially Arabs who want normal relations with Israel. Broadcast reports that Arabs will never cease to regard Israel as a hostile enemy. Israel's Knesset endorses Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok's policies concerning boundaries, return of Arab refugees, and futureof Jerusalem, June 1949.
► 0835 : Israel is admitted to World Health Assembly. UN calls meeting to discuss problem of Arab Legion's refusal to admit convoys with supplies and relief personnel to Mount Scopus. In Lausanne, Switzerland, Arabs express their concern about property they left in Palestine. They fear property has been damaged, especially the orange groves. They are also concerned about damage to mosques. Israel says it will release churches as soon as security permits a release. Syria says refugee problem was brought about by Jewish immigration. Israel and Syria sign armistice. Disputed frontier areas are demilitarized. A group of Arab leaders, friendly to mufti of Jerusalem and hostile to King Abdullah of Jordan, meet. They demand that Arab Palestine be made a separate state not an annexation of Jordan. Israel agrees to allow Arab women and children to return if heads of families are in Israel. UN mediator Ralph Bunche announces that all truce conditions may be lifted, including arms embargo. Chief public prosecutor of Sweden intends to examine Israeli report, submitted to UN May 1949, concerning Count Bernadotte's assassination. Arab delegations meet UN Palestine Conciliation Committee.Committee wishes to be informed of refugees 'application' return. Jordan wants concept of family expanded. There is also discussion concerning frozen bank accounts. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee defines its role: to see that Arabs and Israelis strive for definite settlement. Israel offers to admit a definite number (100,000) of Arab refugees when permanent peace is made with Arab states. Israel requests that other Arab countries absorb 600,000 refugees, July 1949.
► 0942 : U.S. representative on committee on refugees reports that refugees do not believe UN reports concerning state of affairs in Palestine. Resettlement in Jordan is not a popular idea, because King Abdullah is not trusted. An inspection of citrus groves shows 50 percent can be saved. UN Security Council votes to relieve mediator Ralph Bunche of his mission.Council orders Israel and Arabs to observe armistice agreements pending permanent peace settlement. Number of truce observers is cut. British resume selling arms to Arabs. Husni al Zaim, who seized power as Syria's president on March 30, and Premier Mohsen el Barazi are taken captive and executed by army officers. There was considerable opposition to Barazi's plan to reach quick settlement with Israel on refugee problem. He planned to have refugees colonize and develop Syria. Egypt goes into mourning, and King Abdullah of Jordan proposes meeting. Direct Israel-Arab talks through Palestine Reconciliation Committee begin, August 1949.
► 0978 : UN Palestine Conciliation Committee submits a plan for an international Jerusalem. City will be demilitarized and divided into Arab and Jewish administrative zones under UN commissioner. Israel announces that it will never approve the plan. International Refugee Organization reports that Israel has admitted 123,000 IRQ-sponsored immigrants, September 1949.
► 1000 : U.S. consulate in Haifa, Palestine, reports that it has a backlog of 15,000 people wanting to immigrate to U.S. A Tel Aviv, Palestine, newspaper office receives a phone call saying UN representatives in Israel are in danger. Egypt charges that Israel opened fire on Abbassan on October 7. Palestine Arab Congress meets. They offer full cooperation with the Economic Survey Mission, an agency of the UN established to study Middle Eastern economic conditions and help refugee settlement.They state that refugees have an inalienable right to return to their homes; that the maximum numberof refugees should be settled in Palestine, then Jordan, and Arab states will take remaining refugees. They also state that Arabs should receive compensation for lost and damaged property. A plan is set up to register refugees. Israel charges that Iraq has arrested and tortured hundreds of Jews and appeals to U.S. and Britain. Harry Greenstein, U.S. adviser on Jewish affairs in Germany, discusses Israel.He reports that Israel wants 150,000 more immigrants in 1950. Israel wants to keep the doors open for every Jew despite resettlement problems of displaced persons. Settlements have tobebuilt, and people must be trained for jobs. Iraq replies to October 23 charges that only 40 Jews were arrested for disturbing the peace. Israel threatens to quit Palestine Conciliation Committee negotiations unless Arab states deal directly with Israel, not through Committee. Secretary General Trygve Lie recommends that UN high commissioner's office be set up January 1,1951, to protect displaced persons after International Refugee Organization disbands, October 1949.
► 1036 : Israel holds reception for new immigrants. Jewish Agency reports that 32,000 Yemenite Jews were flown from Aden to Israel and that Aden-Lydda "airlift" will bring 15,000 more in two weeks. The Jews in the Soviet Union, Rumania, and Hungary are prevented from leaving. UN Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East proposes after a three-month study that the General Assembly set up program of relief and public works in various Arab countries for 652,000 Arab refugees from Palestine. Jewish population in Israel reaches one million. Israel turns down the UN Palestine Conciliation Committee's plan for an international Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett says Jews favored UN control of Jerusalem at one time. They oppose it now, because if they lose Jerusalem they will have to rescue it from Arabs. They recommend that Jerusalem's old city be internationalized. Modern Jerusalem's holy places will be accessible to people of all faiths. Jordan rejects Jerusalem plan. Jordan and Israel are only countries to do so. Pasha el Mulbi says that Jerusalem must be held by Arabs to protect surrounding Arab sectors, November 1949.
► 1049 : UN General Assembly's Political Subcommittee recommends an international Jerusalem despite objections of Israel and Jordan. Political Committee votes for $54,900,000 for direct relief and work relief for Palestinian refugees. UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees is established to handle $54,900,000. It succeeds UNRPR. Burma recognizes Israel. UN General Assembly votes to put Jerusalem under permanent UN rule, the same decision as on November 29, 1947. Arab states approve because they are suspicious of Jordan's King Abdullah. Britain opposes plan because Israel and Jordan will be forced to accept plan. U.S. opposes plan but favors Dutch-Swedish compromise in which only religious shrines would be under UN control, instead of all of Jerusalem. U.S. asks Israel and Jordan not to do anything which would disrupt relations with other Arab states or the Vatican. Knesset ignores UN resolution for internationalization of Jerusalem and votes to complete transfer of all government offices to Jerusalem. UN Trusteeship Council finishes drafting statute for Jerusalem. Israeli government moves to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, Palestine. UN Trusteeship Council proposes to censure Israel for moving its government. It also asks Israel to help UN draft charter for city. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion of Israel announces that Jerusalem will become capital of Israel on January 1, 1950. UN Trusteeship Council asks Israel to call off transfer of its government to Jerusalem. UN Economic Survey Mission plans several projects to be covered by the aid program for Arab refugees including irrigation and hydroelectric development in Arab Palestine and Arab countries. Israel and Jordan ease armistice restrictions so pilgrims can attend Christmas services in Bethlehem. Most people in Holy Land are UN personnel and diplomats, because Jordan prohibits other pilgrims from returning directly to Israel. Israel refuses UN Trusteeship Council request that it remove its capital from modern Jerusalem. Israel claims there are too many obstacles to an international Jerusalem whether or not it is a Jewish capital.Jews claim General Assembly's attempt to internationalize the city is an "attempt to cancel liberty", December 1949.
► International refugee organization-Palestine -- 0161 : United Nations lands with 700 Jews from Italy. British Navy escorts Pan York and Pan Crescent to Cyprus. Jewish agency purchases U.S. war surplus high explosives. Series of Jewish bombings. British denounce Jewish attacks. Jews ask why British did not denounce Arab attacks. Bombing of Semiramis Hotel. Arabs from Syria go to Palestine; Lebanon protests when Syrians cross Lebanon to reach Palestine. British convoy of food for Jews is besieged in Old City of Jerusalem. First meeting of UN Palestine Committee. Strong Arab attacks occur near Jerusalem, Lydda, and Jaffa, all in Palestine. Jewish agency announces it is ready with an interim government whenever UN decides in favor of partition. U.S. war assets administration, on orders of secretary of the army, cancels sale of M-3 explosives to Jewish agency. FBI arrests six New York men on charges of trying to ship 60,000 pounds of TNT to Haganah. British give UN committee secret report on plans to leave Palestine. British also defend selling of arms to Arab states. They say arms are bought under friendship treaties which cannot be suspended except for violations of UN charter. British intend for Palestinian troops to be transferred to Cyprus. Moshe Shertok, political head of Jewish agency, discusses Jewish case before UN Palestine committee. He stresses need for international army in Palestine or approval for Jewish militia to import arms. Arab League announces that once British leave, all of Palestine will be occupied by Arabs. Arab-Jewish clashes in Haifa, Palestine. Arabs continue boycott of entire partition plan. British refuses to comply with UN General Assembly's request that port and inland areas be open to Jews in Palestine. British intend to keep 1,500-a-month quota. Violence almost at halt for Moslem holy rites. UN committee intends to tell security council that armed backing of their plan is vital. U.S. dislikes idea of sending troops to Palestine. Battle outside Jerusalem. Golda Myerson (later Golda Meir) of Jewish agency tells committee that Jews must arm against Arab threats. Moshe Shertok, political head of Jewish agency, asks UN to encourage U.S. to lift embargo on arms to Middle East. Jewish agency recruits for Haganah. Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, of Jewish agency, campaigns for American support for armed backing of partition. British warn Arab league of Transjordan that its subsidy will be withdrawn if it attacks Palestinian Jews. Arab Higher Committee announces that Arabs are storing six-month supply of food to prepare for war. Secretary of state had confirmed embargo and now announces that Americans will lose passports if they fight for either side. UN Palestine committee decides to help Jews organize defense force. British government tells UN Palestine committee it will not let Jews organize and train militia before mandate is surrendered. British dislike partition plan and announce Palestine committee will only be protected for two weeks before mandate ends. British officials say that 1,000 Russian-speaking communists were aboard Pan York and Pan Crescent, January 1948.
► 0170 : Arab army, who never recognized truce, attacks Jews from Nazareth. Egypt allows Jewish food convoy to go to settlements in Negeb. At their meeting, Zionist Organization of America pledges support to Israel. In Nuremberg, expense account of German foreign minister shows that Haj Amin el Husseini, exiled mufti of Jerusalem, and Rashid Ali el Ghailani, former Iraqi premier, were entertained by Germans during World War ll. Count Folke Bernadotte meets with Arabs. Israeli government accuses British of hampering Israel's economic growth by blocking $400 million in Palestine sterling balances without negotiation. King Abdullah says Arabs will rely on arms. Both sides reject Count Bernadotte's peace plan, which called for union of Arab and the Jewish states in Palestine and Transjordan. Each state would have full control over internal and foreign affairs. Immigration would continue fortwo years, after which the council would rule if economic capacity were being exceeded. Arabs declare that they will never recognize a Jewish state and talk of resuming war. Jews dislike Arab control of Jerusalem and a limit on immigration. Israel announces it is holding Peter Bergson, copresident of American league for a free Palestine, on charge of "armed resistance" following Altalena incident. Count Folke Bernadotte proposes that Jerusalem and Haifa, Palestine, be given neutral status. Jews agree on demilitarization of Jerusalem, but reject a neutral Haifa. Arabs accept a neutral Haifa, but reject demilitarization of Jerusalem. After both sides' rejections, Bernadotte appeals to the UN security council. Dr. Emanuel Neumann is reelected president of Zionist Organization of America. Commandant Rene La Barriere, French officer attached to UN truce committee, is killed when his jeep strikes a land mine in Nazareth. UN security council appeals to both sides to extend truce. Arab delegation walks out when representative of Israel is seated. Stern Group executes Rosa Beiser on charges of spying for British and Arabs. Haganah convicts one of its air force officers of espionage for British. Irgun kidnaps five Britons on spying charges. Dr. Philip C. Jessup, U.S. representative from UN security council, says if Arabs reject truce extension, U.S. will support action against them. Syria replies that they are "ready to be killed by atomic bombs" and Russia. U.S. and French warships take 200 UN observers aboard at Haifa, Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte requests extension of truce, which Arabs reject and Jews accept.Arabs accuse Jews of violating truce, performing continued aggressions, smuggling arms and immigrants, burning Arab villages, and other atrocities. UN security council appeals for truce. Tel Aviv, Palestine, is bombed by Egyptian planes. Israel claims that Egypt struck before truce expired. Arabs and Jews shell Jerusalem. Arab League offers counterproposals to Bernadotte's earlier peace plans. Instead of federal state, Arabs want provisional unitary government which Arabs would control. Minorities would have rights, but new Jewish immigrants would be denied citizenship. Provisional Palestine administration is established, which will deal in essential services in Arab areas but will not be political. Israel uses tanks for first time, capturing the Lydda airfield and Arab Legion stronghold of Wilhelma. It is reported that 35,000 Arab troops and 40,000 Israeli troops are in Palestine. Israel claims that Egypt violated truce on July 7 and 8. An Egyptian order had been found, ordering troop movements. U.S. secretary of state George C. Marshall believes that Arabs are to blame, but he leaves matter to council. Count Folke Bernadotte leaves Rhodes, Greece, to go to New York and report to UN. It is revealed that Count Bernadotte offered all of Arab Palestine to King Abdullah if he would favor a truce. A B-17 flying fortress of USAF veterans is forced down in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They refuse to give their destination and are sent back to New York. Count Folke Bernadotte reports to Council: Arabs oppose Jewish state and immigration; they will fight to the limit of their capacity; the Jews do not fear Arab threat. Therefore, UN has two alternatives: (1) make it unprofitable for Arabs to war against Jews; or (2) let two sides fight it out. British hold up subsidy payment to Legion pending outcome of UN security council debate. Jews capture Lydda and Ramie, Palestine. Fighting occurs in Jerusalem, Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte recommends that sanctions or force be used against any side that persists in waging war. Or. Philip C. Jessup of U.S., favoring Count Bernadotte's ideas, declares that Palestine war is threat to peace. He suggests an unconditional cease-fire within 24 hours in Jerusalem and a truce within three days in Palestine. Truce would continue until a peaceful adjustment was made. Restrictions would be placed on the number of fighting men and weapons. If any side rejects or violates truce, UN Security Council would take action. Norwegian member of UN guards is killed while escorting ambulances. Chief UN observer, Colonel Brunson, says there is complete disregard for UN flag. Jews control Rah el Ain, rail junction which controls Jerusalem, Palestine, water supply. Passengers from Marine Carp arrive in New York from Lebanon. En route to New York, 13 "jump ship". U.S. seizes two Constellations in Millville, New Jersey, forfearthey will be flown to Palestine. Light air raids transpire in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, all in Palestine; Cairo, Egypt; and Damascus, Syria. UN security council decides Palestine conflict is menace to world peace. Sanctions or force is threatened. It is the first time in UN history that council invokes article 39, chapter VII of charter. Partial blackout enforced in Egypt. Arabs and Israelis agree to cease-fire. Jews capture Nazareth. London report says Israel is importing German-model fighter planes from Czechoslovakia. Loy Henderson, former director of Office of Near Eastern and African affairs in U.S. State Department, is appointed ambassador to India by President Truman. Zionists have called Henderson pro-Arab. Joseph Satterthwaite becomes new director of office. Before Jerusalem truce takes effect, Irgun and Stern Group combine to attack Arab-held old city. Fighting ceases in Jerusalem, Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte leaves for Middle East to resume mediation efforts. Arabs accept cease-fire but oppose indefinite truce. They make the following demands to UN: (1) a complete halt to Jewish immigration; (2) a return of 300,000 Palestinian Arab refugees to their homes in Israeli-held areas; and (3) a time limit to truce. Arabs protest truce outside palace of King Abdullah of Transjordan. The King tells them they should be in army rather than protesting. Arabs blow up pumping station in Latrun, Palestine, halting Jerusalem's water supply. Mob in Cairo, Egypt, stones Stephen Haas, American tourist, to death. Haas, Philadelphia realtor, was active in Jewish affairs but was in Cairo as tourist. B-17 which was forced down in Halifax, Nova Scotia, lands in the Azores. The crew is impounded and will not give their destination, but it is suspected to be Palestine. U.S. embassy protests death of Stephen Haas. Britain demands end to Egyptian attacks on British. It is reported that Israel has claimed possession of 810 square miles of Arab territory. Arabs hold 205 square miles of Jewish territory. Jews put oil refinery in Haifa, Palestine, into operation. Moshe Shertok, Jewish agency, says Israel is prepared to give Arab countries free use of ports of Haifa and Jaffa, Palestine; however, the ports would not be placed under joint Jewish-Arab or international control. Crew of B-17 returns to New York. Pilot is arraigned on charges of violating presidential arms embargo. British protest seizure of oil refinery partly owned by British company. Israel decrees that New City of Jerusalem is Jewish-occupied area. UN security council rejects Syrian resolution to ask international court of Justice for advisory ruling on whether UN has any jurisdiction over Palestine. Arab Legion's and Transjordan's subsidy payments from Britain are restored, July 1948.
► 0171 : Israel appoints Dr. Bernard Joseph as military governor of Jerusalem, Palestine. In UN Security Council session British offer to start relief fund for Arab refugees. King Abdullah says both Jews and Arabs should consider compromise. Israel demands that British release 11,000 Jews from Cyprus. Israel invites all Arab League states to open direct Holy Land peace discussions. They submit their request to Count Folke Bernadotte. Count Bernadotte recommends that UN Security Council affirm right of Arab refugees to return to theirformer homes in Israeli territory. Israel objects. Count Folke Bernadotte conveys Israel's message to Arab League. Before he had conveyed message, Egypt had already denounced it because Moshe Shertok, Jewish Agency, opposed readmitting 250,000 to 300,000 Arab refugees to Jewish-controlled areas in advance of a peace settlement and had refused to discuss demilitarization of Jerusalem with Arabs. UN relief expert Sir Raphael Alento says Arab refugees are now as much a UN problem as were the Jewish displaced persons in Europe. U.S. says it will support Israel's application to UN next month. Count Folke Bernadotte insists that Arabs and Jews stop new flare-up of fighting in Jerusalem. Latrun, Palestine, pumping station is blown up. Britain says it will donate $400,000 of tents and medical supplies from Middle East military stocks to any suitable international organization that will use the supplies for the relief of Arab refugees. Israel demands that UN fix a time limit for truce. Egypt tells Count Folke Bernadotte that Israel's offer of direct talks is rejected. They refuse to discuss any plan which would partition Palestine. Israel demands that Bernadotte take action against Arab attacks. New Israeli pound is offered by government. Arab League fires on UN truce team jeep in Latrun, Palestine.U.S., France, and Belgium decline Count Folke Bernadotte's request to send large forces to Palestine. Secretary of State George C. Marshall suggests that truce teams be doubled. UN Security Council warns both Jews and Arabs against breaking Holy Land truce. Count Folke Bernadotte reports that clashes in Jerusalem, Palestine, are getting out of hand. Aubrey S. Eban asks all UN nations to support Israel's admittance to UN. Arab League leaders meet. Brigadier John Bagot Glubb seeks aid for Arabs in London. Sir Alexander Cadogan refuses Israel's request for admittance to the UN. Israel proposes that it hold peace talks with each Arab country. Zionist General Council meets. Dr. Abba Hillel Silver says that he hopes President Truman will give political and economic support for Israel. World Jewish Congress asks that UN consider Egyptian treatment of Jews. Jews claim that 150 Jews were murdered and hundreds wounded in Cairo, Egypt, during June and July. Egypt invades Jewish-held Talpioth, a Jerusalem, Palestine, suburb. Israel releases five leaders of Irgun who were arrested in June for truce violations. Two French UN observers die when their plane is fired on near Gaza. A French observer is wounded during Arab shelling of Jewish lines in Mount Zion. Israel demands that UN protect Jews who abide by the truce. Egypt agrees to let Israel send convoys to 35 isolated Negeb settlements, August 1948.
► 0181 : State Department refuses to permit emigration of men aged 18 to 45 to Israel from U.S.-controlled displaced persons camps in Germany and Europe, except in cases approved by Count Folke Bernadotte. State Department orders Czechoslovakia to halt movement of fighter planes and weapons to Israel because this is a violation of Palestine truce. Export-Import Bank of the U.S. postpones action on $100 million loan to Israel due to "unsettled political conditions". World Zionist Organization Committee ends session. They reject a demand by U.S. delegates that all Israel cabinet members withdraw from the executive. The ministers, however, do resign. Jewish Agency for Palestine decides to spend funds only for charities not for security, political, or propaganda purposes. American Red Cross agrees to survey Arab refugee situation. Jews and Arabs agree to create second neutral UN-Red Cross zone. This agreement is brought about by General Aage Lundstroem, chief of staff to UN mediator Count Folke Bernadotte.UN announces that Bernadotte's appeal for relief of Arab refugees has been answered by 14 countries and many relief agencies. Paraguay recognizes Israel. Count Folke Bernadotte tells an American delegate to the UN that the General Assembly must take up the Palestine question because hostilities will resume. He intends to withdraw as mediator if hostilities do resume. Count Folke Bernadotte orders Israel to readmit 8,000 Arab refugees driven from three villages near Haifa, Palestine, by attacks which had violated the truce. In Rhodes, Greece, Count Folke Bernadotte completes work on his UN report. He calls Jerusalem "a trigger-happy city". Arab-Jewish artillery duels in Jerusalem. Jews had not wanted demilitarization of the city for fear of the Arab armies surrounding it. El Salvador recognizes Israel. Count Bernadotte is assassinated in Jerusalem, Palestine, allegedly by Stern Group. Andre Pierre Serot, chief of the French UN truce observer team, is also killed. Israel orders roundup of Stern suspects. UN secretary general Trygve Lie demands that UN stop procrastinating and raise an international guard to protect peacemakers. Hazit Hamoledet (Homeland of Fatherland Front) claims responsibility for assassinations. Hazit Hamoledet is branch of Stern Group which commits acts of violence to avoid implicating Sternists. They claim that Count Bernadotte was working for British, and they had boasted that they would kill UN emissaries to prevent an Arab-Jewish compromise. Sternists are also against demilitarization of Jerusalem, which Bernadotte had sought. Sternist leader Nathan Friedman Yellin and his political adviser Dr. Israel Scheib flee from Palestine. Count Folke Bernadotte's body is escorted to Haifa, Palestine, by Israeli guards. Ralph Bunche is appointed by Security Council as temporary successor to Count Bernadotte. Bunche tells Foreign Minister Moshe Shertokthat Israel must take full responsibility for assassination as a breach of truce. Israeli officials protest; they say they are rounding up suspects. Jewish Jerusalem is under curfew. Irgun denounces assassins. James G. McDonald, special U.S. representative to Israel, is warned by terrorists that U.S. is not wanted in Israel. Arabs claim Bernadotte's death is proof that Israel cannot control Jewish extremists. Secretary of State George C. Marshall says that efforts to make peace will continue, that the world will not permit a new outbreak of general warfare in Palestine, and that the assassination will not affect U.S. support to Israel. UN secretary general Trygve Lie calls on Security Council to organize UN guard force to protect truce observers. Jacob A. Malik of Soviet Union condemns killing and suggests that UN enforce 1947 partition plan. Count Folke Bernadotte's and Andre Pierre Serot's bodies are flown from Haifa, Palestine, to Paris, France, for memorial service. Irgun and Stern Group announce their dissolution. Members will join the Israeli army. Irgun and Stern Group deny any part in Count Folke Bernadotte's assassination. Count Bernadotte's last paper is published in Paris. Paper calls for recognition of Israel, but parts of Bernadotte's plan displease Jews and Arabs: Israel now exists, a fact Arabs cannot change; Israel cannot annex Arab territory; Israel will be admitted to UN. Plan also calls for merging of Transjordan and Arab Palestine. Transjordan will be admitted to UN. Haifa harbor (Jews) and Lydda Airport (Arabs) will be considered free ports. Jerusalem will be international city. Arab refugees should be allowed to return to their homes or compensated for their losses. Plans are made to expand provisions for refugees. It is reported that during seven weeks of truce, there were 288 complaints of violations (183 against Jews, 105 against Arabs). Arabs approve Bernadotte's relief program, but criticize UN for creation of refugee problem. Israeli cabinet adopts emergency regulations for prevention of terrorism. Irgun surrenders military supplies stolen from British. Three hundred suspected members of Hazit Hamoledet are arrested. Arab League announces it is establishing an Arab government for Palestine in Gaza. King Abdullah of Transjordan bars Gaza government from operating within security zone of his government. Secretary of State George C. Marshall and British foreign minister Ernest Bevin support plan. Arabs reject plan; they insist on no partition of Palestine. Jews accuse Arabs of attacks near Latrun, Palestine. Israel announces it is willing to discuss Count Bernadotte's proposals. Main objections are to the surrender of Negeb, an area planned for large-scale development, and to internationalization of Jerusalem. U.S. orders Greek Aid Mission to send food to Middle East refugees. Arabs accuse Jews of shooting down Arab airliner. Dead include two British reporters. Memorial service is held for eight UN representatives killed in Palestine. Twenty-six Sternists escape, but 25 are recaptured. Andrei Vishinsky of Soviet Union blames U .S. for ruining 1947 partition plan. Count Folke Bernadotte is buried in Stockholm. UN mediator Ralph Bunche demands that Israel and Transjordan stop fighting along Israel's "Burma Road," a road going to Jerusalem from Latrun,Palestine, area. Israel admits that Arab plane was shot down, but claims that plane had violated Israeli-held Upper Galilee. Mufti of Jerusalem Haj Amin el Husseini returns to Gaza. Nathan Friedman Yellin and his aide Matiiyahu Schmurkwitz are captured by Israeli police in Tel Aviv, Palestine. President Chaim Weizmann of Israel arrives in Israel after recovering from an operation in Geneva, September 1948.
► 0194 : Haj Amin el Husseini is elected president of Arab Palestine National Assembly. UN Truce Committee cables UN Security Council that truce in Jerusalem has been sabotaged by misconduct of Jewish forces under Dr. Bernard Joseph, Israel's military governor for Jerusalem. Jews deny Truce Committee's charges. Arab Palestine National Assembly proclaims Palestine an independent Arab state. Transjordan objects. Jews are considered invaders. Israeli president Chaim Weizmann relinquishes his British citizenship but urges friendly British-Israel relations. Hesays President Truman told him U.S. will support Jewish claims to Negeb, an area to be allotted to Arabs by Bernadotte plan. Israel tells UN it does not intend to surrender Negeb. Moshe Shertok discusses Bernadotte plan with Secretary of State George C. Marshall.Air raids occur in Tel Aviv and Haifa, Palestine. Moshe Shertok, Jewish Agency official, announces territory demands of Israel: Western Galilee, modern Jerusalem, and land corridor between Jerusalem and rest of Israel. Eventually Israel and Arabs will have to settle their differences by direct negotiations. Israel favors annexation of Arab Palestine by Transjordan.Arab League insists on unpartitioned Palestine. Israeli army had fought off Egyptian attacks near Negeb. UN Truce Mission demands that both sides stop serious breaches of truce. UNRRA Governing Committee allots money given to International Children's Emergency Fund to be used for Palestinian refugees.Israel signs with Shell and Socony companies to ensure adequate oil supply for Israel. In Jaffa, Palestine, police fortress, 170 Sternists rebel.Israeli troops put down rebellion and prisoners are moved to Acre, Palestine. New Arab government in Gaza is recognized by Egypt and Iraq. U.S. refuses to recognize Gaza government because it is opposed by Transjordan king Abdullah's Arab faction.Police who let Sternists out of jail for a holiday are arrested. Israel asks Security Council to compel Arabs to negotiate with Israel. Britain, China, and France in Security Council session charge that Israel is to blame for Bernadotte-Serot assassinations. UN mediator Ralph Bunche pleads to General Assembly Political Committee for adoption of Bernadotte peace plan. He tells Security Council that truce will collapse unless UN finds way for Arabs and Jews to respect UN truce teams.New Arab government in Gaza is recognized by Saudi Arabia.Egypt attacks Jewish convoy which had tried to run through Egypt's Negeb blockade. Israel and Egypt clash near Negeb in defiance of cease-fire demand issued by Brigadier General William E. Riley, UN chief of staff in Palestine.Israel refuses to halt military action unless Egypt does same.Israel conducts ground raids against Egypt in Iraq al-Manshiyya, northeast of Gaza.Egypt bombs Jewish localities in same area.Israeli planes attack Gaza, Beersheba, and Faluja. Israel bombs Gaza. In Jerusalem Jews form new roadblock.Arabs steal UN jeep near Mount Scopus. In astatement issued without notifying Secretary of State George C. Marshall, President Truman says Bernadotte plan is merely a basis for new negotiations and he criticizes Thomas Dewey (Republican presidential nominee) for making Palestine a campaign issue.Israel stops Syrian attacks in Upper Galilee. President Truman orders Export-Import Bank of the U.S. to resume negotiations for a loan to Israel. Fighting increases in Jerusalem. Senator Robert A. Taft (Ohio) says President "i ruman's statement endorses both UN partition plan and Bernadotte plan.He criticizes Truman's handling of Palestine issue and the many reversals in U.S. policy toward Palestine.Security Council holds emergency session to discuss Egypt's claims of Israeli aggression. Aubrey S. Eban, spokesman for Jews, declares Israel will defy UN mediator Ralph Bunche's request to give up its gains in Negeb.Israel proposes negotiations with Egypt to consider new frontiers between Israel and Egypt. Iraqui troops attack Jenin-Tulkarm-Nablus, the "Arab Triangle'"southeast of Jaffa, Palestine.New Israeli settlement in Tel Aviv, Palestine, is dedicated.Death of Dr. Judah L. Magnes, president of Hebrew University. Israeli premier David Ben-Gurion pleads for separate, permanent peace between Israel and Egypt.Britain, China, France, Belgium, and Canada call for resolution to create committee to determine if any sanctions should be used against Israel.Resolution receives implied support of U.S. Soviet Union calls for delay in voting on resolution. President Truman plans to carry out Democrats' platform promises to Israel. He tells American friends of Israel that U.S. policy toward Israel must be meshed with foreign policy around the world.John Foster Dulles, U.S. delegate to UN General Assembly, advises Thomas Dewey to make immediate statement on his views, to guide U.S. delegation.Dulles does not favor sanctions against Israel. British and Chinese call for sanctions against Israel if it does not give up gains in Negeb.International Children's Emergency Fund votes for aid to Palestinian refugees.In session of UN General Assembly's Social Committee British propose that UN raise $30 million for relief of 500,000 Arab refugees in the Middle East.Large-scale Jewish offensive conducted in Galilee. Secretary of State George C. Marshall and British foreign minister Ernest Bevin meet to discuss Palestine and other issues.Israeli troops battle for Galilee against Lebanese troops.UN chief of staff William Riley appeals for cease-fire, but both sides ignore appeal. Israeli troops complete conquest of Galilee and move into Lebanon.Entire Northern Palestine border is now under Jewish control.Arab government in Gaza is recognized by Afghanistan.Soviet Union blames U.S. and Britain for creation of refugee problem, October 1948.
► 0218 : Dr. William Haber, adviserto U.S. Army on Jewish Affairs, reports Jewish displaced persons are leaving Germany at rate of 4,000 a month. Since May 15,15,000 have left.Israel Corporation of America, which was formed in New York in partnership with Jewish Agency for Palestine, announces plans for huge housing development to accommodate 10,000 immigrants a month in Israel. Israel begins full-scale colonization of Negeb; Beersheba is planned center of project. Israel defies UN instruction to leave Lebanon. Fighting subsides; UN mediator Ralph Bunche's efforts bring about ceasefire. Turkey stops issuing permits for Turkish Jews to go to Israel. Jews get passports to go to Italy, but go to Israel instead. King Abdullah of Transjordan is rumored to be making secret peace inquiries. Israel denies. UN Security Council passes a modified version of British-Chinese resolution of sanctions against Israel. Resolution calls for (1) Israel and Egypt to go back to October 14 lines; (2) new truce lines to be negotiated; and (3) if points (1) and (2) are disobeyed, a Big Five Belgian-Colombian committee to decide if measures will be taken under Chapter VII of UN Charter.Israel protests and claims it is being threatened. Egypt retreats from Negeb. Israeli troops observe retreat but hold fire. American Zionist Emergency Council demands that President Truman take care of "a great injustice. " Arabs protest that UN chief of staff William E. Riley advised them to negotiate for peace. UN mediator Ralph Bunche denies that Riley gavesuch advice.Arab Legion denies November 2 rumors of King Abdullah's peace efforts. Israeli government admits it had bought military equipment from several places including Czechoslovakia but denies it received help from Soviet Union. Israel captures Iraq Suweidan police fortress at northern entrance of Negeb. Israel charges that British troops reentered Palestine from Transjordan to help Arabs; British deny. UN rules that Jews are in violation of truce. Jews had arrested two UN officers who tried to observe Negeb battle. Israeli premier David Ben-Gurion confirms that talks are under way between Israel and two Arab governments (presumed to be Egypt and Transjordan). Israel is opposed to new UN proposal whereby Israeli troops give up recent gains in Negeb. In original partition plan, Negeb is consigned to Jews.Ben-Gurion claims dispute can be settled in four weeks if U.S. stops Britain from interfering with Arabs' wish to talk peace terms. UN mediator Ralph Bunche orders Israel to give up Iraq Suweidan. President Truman feels that direct Arab-Jewish negotiations might work. He also advocates a full recognition of Israel and aid for 500,000 Arab refugees in Middle East. UN Security Council listens to plan by UN mediator Ralph Bunche. Israel would withdraw to October 14 lines.Egypt would stay where it had retreated in Negeb fighting. A large part of Negeb would be demilitarized pending UN negotiations for peace.Israel rejects part of plan in which Beersheba would be under Arab administration. Plan is endorsed by Council's special committee on Negeb and Bunche orders Egypt and Israel to carry out plan. In his address to Political Committee, Moshe Shertok declares that Israel will fight before it gives up Negeb.Israel announces its peace conditions: (1) Jewish control of modern Jerusalem corridor to remainder of Israel; (2) no Arab use of Haifa port or Lydda airport except under Israeli terms; (3) retention of Western Galilee as long as area is needed for Israel's defense; and (4) no readmission of Arab refugees to Israel until peace is established.Israel also requests UN admission. Salah el-Kuntar, leader of Druse tribesmen's National Army, says Druses want their 4,000-square-mile area shifted from Syria to Israel. Druses helped drive Syrian troops out of Upper Galilee. Arabs insist on not recognizing Israel. UN Security Council demands that Israel and Egypt negotiate Negeb armistice directly or through UN mediator Ralph Bunche. This demand does not alter previous order calling for demilitarization of Negeb. At convention American Federation of Labor backs U.S. aid to Israel. King Abdullah of Transjordan hopes for a "real peace" to replace "semi-peace". He suggests that "the Israelis should be more reasonable" and the Arabs "should accept the logical". British state minister Hector McNeil offers Political Committee a resolution calling for permanent settlement based on Bernadotte plan. Israel proposes compromise: it will withdraw all troops who arrived in Israel after October 14; troops who arrived before October 14 will stay to ensure that area does not fall to Egypt. Israel announces it is ready to begin armistice with Arabs. UN mediator Ralph Bunche accepts Israel's proposal. UN General Assembly approves $30 million fund for relief of Palestinian refugees (mostly Arabs), forming the UNRPR. Assembly asks UN member countries for contributions. Dr. Philip C. Jessup announces U.S. policy: any changes made in Israel's boundaries should be agreed on by Israel; Bernadotte plan is only a basis for negotiations. He suggests that Israel give up Negeb in compensation for Western Galilee gains and endorses UN membership for Israel. Parts of Benadotte plan to be considered are an international Jerusalem, the return of refugees to Palestine, and safeguarding of minorities. First preliminary armistice talks begin. William E. Riley, chief UN truce observer, meets separately with Israel Foreign Office officials and Egyptian commander Fouad Sadeh Bey. Israeli premier David Ben-Gurion praises King Abdullah of Transjordan and says he will meet with Abdullah and other Arab leaders anytime. Soviet Union and Poland call for partition plan for Palestine. In session of UN General Assembly's Political and Security Committee, Dr. Philip C. Jessup suggests that both Bernadotte and UN partition plans be considered in fixing Israeli boundaries. Israel would keep Galilee and pan: of Negeb. Aubrey S. Eban defends Jewish claims to both Galilee and Negeb. Israel stops unrestricted army recruiting but forms reserve with men aged 40 to 45. UN truce mission announces a provisional Arab-Jewish truce line. Arabs announce they will not negotiate with Israel except through UN. UN mediator Ralph Bunche recommends to Political Committee that UN try another strong appeal for Israel and Arabs to get together. He urges Israel's admittance to UN. Israel's Provisional Government Council announces it will hold first general elections on January 25. Persons aged 18 years or more will be eligible to vote. Israel-Egypt negotiations, through UN truce mission, for armistice in Negeb bog down. Problem is UN mediator Ralph Bunche's insistence on Security Council demand for Jewish withdrawals. Aubrey Eban tells subcommittee that Israel will not let large force of Egyptians withdraw from entrapment at Negeb until Arabs respond to Council's November 16 armistice resolution.Bulgaria recognizes Israel. Menahem Beigin, former Irgun commander in chief, visits New York mayor William O'Dwyer. Three U.S. religious leaders denounce Menahem Beigin, Irgun leader, as a terrorist. Israel applies for UN admission.Stanton Griff is is appointed director of the UN RPR. Colonel Moshe Dayan of Israel and Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah el Tell of Transjordan Arab Legion sign cease-fire agreement. American Council for Judaism asks Attorney General Tom C. Clark for a federal investigation of Menahem Beigin's U.S. activities, November 1948.
► 0221 : King Abdullah of Transjordan is proclaimed king of Palestine at a meeting of central Palestinian Arabs in Jericho. In reaction, riots occur in Damascus and Syrian premier Jamil Mardam Bey and his cabinet resign. President Chaim Weizmann of Israel calls for Jerusalem's new city to be incorporated into Israel. All faiths would be able to worship. Mission of the UN Mediator on the Palestine Disaster Relief Project meets with volunteer agencies. Dr. Pierre Descooeudres, chief of mission, reports that refugees in camps do not have good living conditions.More supplies are needed as well as a better system of transporting them. Refugees tend to feel frustrated and isolated, although the goal of the camps is to build a sense of social consciousness. The UN General Assembly Political and Security Committee passes a British-Canadian plan for a council commission on Palestine to negotiate a final peace settlement.The plan calls for (1) commission members to be appointed by Big Five; (2) an international Jerusalem; (3) a small UN guard to protect commission; and (4) aid to refugees. Plan mentions neither Bernadotte plan nor partition plan as basis for settlement. Israel-Iraq cease-fire is signed. Egypt attacks Jewish settlements in Negeb near Egyptian border, according to Jewish claims. Soviet Union argues for partition plan. President Truman announces he will ask Congress for money for Palestinian refugees. On the other hand, British wish to furnish supplies and money from UN working capital funds. Transjordan cabinet gives its consent to crowning of King Abdullah as king of united Palestine and Transjordan. British demand to Security Council's Negeb subcommittee that sanctions against Israel be implemented. Their reason is Israel's continued entrapment of an Egyptian force in Negeb. King Abdullah denounces Arab League-sponsored Palestine Army regime in Gaza. Egypt announces dissolution of Moslem Brotherhood, a fanatical national religious organization. Iraq is asked by Britain, U.S., and France to reopen oil pipeline from Iraq to Haifa, Palestine. Oil refined in Haifa will not be furnished to Israel. Winston Churchill, former British prime minister, appeals to Parliament to end "sulky boycott" of Jewish state. Israel agrees to UN truce mission's request to let a trapped Egyptian force withdraw from Faluja in Negeb. UN adopts resolution 194. The new Conciliation Committee for Palestine is set up by UN General Assembly. Its roles are to promote direct negotiation or act as a go-between, to cooperate with Jerusalem authorities until the city is internationalized, to safeguard religious shrines, and to work for repatriation, resettlement, and economic and social rehabilitation of Holy Land refugees permitted to return home.Refugees number 500,000 Arabs and 10,000 Jews.King Farouk of Egypt and Syrian foreign minister disclose that they had warned King Abdullah of Transjordan not to annex Palestine. Israel and Transjordan let Christians travel to Bethlehem on Christmas pilgrimages. Transjordan Parliament authorizes King Abdullah to accept sovereignty over Arab Palestine and Transjordan defying a warning by council of Ulemas (a group of scholars and highest spiritual authority in Moslem world). Israel breaks off negotiation for local truce agreements and demands future peace talks for all of Palestine. Egypt charges that Jews announced new attack on Faluja garrison. New Syrian cabinet is appointed. From Yugoslavia 4,100 Jews leave by ship for Israel. Israel denies Egyptian charges and says the charges were made to damage Israel's chances for admittance to UN. UN mediator Ralph Bunche announces that a final solution to Palestine conflict is well on its way. King Abdullah of Palestine appoints Sheikh Hussan Medin Jarallah as mufti of Jerusalem. Haj Amin el Husseini is recognized as mufti of Jerusalem by other Arab states. Nathan Friedman Yellin, who went on trial December 5, denies he was involved in Bernadotte assassination. Syria bans Life and Newsweek because of their increased Zionist propaganda. Efforts of UN Truce Committee to arrange Israel-Egypt armistice conference break down. Israel attacks Egyptian troops near Gaza, Nirim, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. Pilgrims are allowed to enter Bethlehem, but have to pass through Jewish and Arab checkpoints. Egypt conducts air raids on Nazareth, Haifa, and Tel Aviv, all in Palestine. Canada recognizes Israel. The International Children's Emergency Fund reports that there are 750,000 refugees from Holy Land warfare. Egyptian control in Negeb is almost wiped out by Israel. Israel's 100,000th immigrant since state proclamation arrives. International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (of American Federation of Labor) donates $250,000 and lends $500,000 to Israel. Sixty-four central Palestinian Arab towns endorse King Abdullah. In report to UN Security Council, truce observers blame Israel for new outbreak of war. Arabs refuse to open pipeline to Haifa, Palestine, until their "just demands" are met. Egyptian premier Mahmoud Fahmy Nokrashy Pasha is assassinated by members of the Moslem Brotherhood for his failure to win war in Palestine. Ibrahim Abdel Hadi is appointed new premier of Egypt. Israel bombs Gaza. Egypt and Israel battle in Faluja. UN Security Council demands a cease-fire in Negeb. Israel declares it will continue offensive until Egypt agrees to peace talks. UN mediator Ralph Bunche urges Palestine Conciliation Committee to begin work. Israel occupies area near the Egyptian border. British insist that Israel follow the decisions of UN Security Council. Egyptian warship halts Israel-bound British freighter near Haifa, Palestine. Israel considers cease-fire and partially lifts blackout of news concerning Negeb fighting. Egypt had lost land assigned to Arabs under the 1947 plan. Israel will not give up any land until there is peace, December 1948.
► 0226 : Egypt bombs Tel Aviv, Palestine. Israel warns that one more bombing will mean the bombing of Cairo, Egypt. A delegation from Yemen visits King Abdullah and expresses its opposition to the annexation of central Palestine. Modern Jerusalem is hit by three bombs. Egypt accepts cease-fire.Israel is considering a cease-fire, but Israeli attacks continue. State Department asks Israel for details about Egyptian offensive. U.S. tells Israeli government that the incident embarrassed Britain because of its treaty. U.S. warns Cairo, Egypt, against action. Israel tells U.S. it never intended to hold Egyptian territory. Jews claim the British are sending troops and planes to Transjordan. British are encouraging Arabs not to negotiate peace. Jewish Agency reports 130,000 immigrants entered Palestine in 1948. British foreign minister Ernest Bevin asks U.S. to exert pressure on Israel to retreat to November 4 boundaries in the Negeb. U.S. replies that responsibility should be handled by UN Security Council. Britain replies that Israel is still blocking road in Egypt. British also claim Israel is getting arms from Czechoslovakia despite UN embargo. New Transjordan cabinet is appointed. New cease-fire is in effect. Israel claims trapped Egyptian garrison at Faluja is still firing. UN Security Council's seven-nation committee's session on possible use of sanctions against truce violators is adjourned pending armistice talks. Israel raids southern Palestine. In Egypt, 35 miles from the border, Israel shoots down 4 RAF reconnaissance planes before cease-fire takes effect. British warn that they will become involved in war if Israel invades Egypt and Transjordan. Dr. J.D. Cottrell, medical officer of World Health Organization, is appointed adviser to UN relief plan for Palestine refugees. Report from the camps indicates that disease is widespread. British send troops to Aqaba, located on southern tip of Negeb. British order any Jewish plane to be considered hostile. Israel claims that one plane that fired on RAF was Egyptian. British address protests to Jewish authorities rather than Israeli government. Israeli consular general Arthur Louris refuses to relay British messages.Arab League secretary general Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha expresses his regret to Egypt that other Arabs hesitated to help them. British announce that warships and troops are waiting in Mediterranean to back protests of Israel's actions. Israel protests to UN Security Council concerning British reinforcement of Aqaba, Transjordan, and concerning British shipment of arms to Egypt. UN secretary general Trygve Lie tells British to withdraw from the dispute with Israel. U.S. urges Britain not to make dispute a major issue.British, however, keep their Mediterranean forces on alert. Israel complains to UN Security Council that presence of British military in Middle East is endangering peace talks. British denounce Jewish aggression in Negeb. They say Security Council should enforce a recent resolution which called for Jewish withdrawal from Negeb. Arabs claim British promised to stop arms shipments by sea. They criticize British for their failure to do so. Arms shipments are continued to Jews. Acting secretary of state Robert A. Lovett meets with representatives from Israel, Transjordan, and Britain. U.S. is concerned about British troop movements in Palestine before reinforcement of Aqaba. British say RAF pilot was watching Israeli movements near Egypt when plane was shot down. Anthony Eden, British Conservative leader, criticizes British foreign minister Ernest Bevin. Eden says RAF flights are purposeless and Bevin is endangering U.S.-Anglo relations. The British cabinet supports Bevin. In talks with Sir Oliver Franks, British ambassadorto U.S. President Truman claims that there is no strain on U.S.-British relations; that U.S. policy is the same as stated on November 20; that Israel will not lose Negeb unless Israel agrees to do so; that U.S. does not want any new trouble with Israel; and that Arabs should be encouraged to make peace. Truman also denies that the RAF flight was made under a joint U.S.-British decision to keep informed on Israel's movements in Egypt. UN armistice talks begin. Mediator Ralph Bunche talks with representatives of Israel and Egypt. After talks with Egypt, Bunche will meet with representatives from Transjordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Israel withdraws from four villages in Lebanon. UN mediator Ralph Bunche requests to UN Security Council that his mediation unit be dissolved. He wants a new Palestine Conciliation Committee. British foreign minister Ernest Bevin says British will release 11,000 Jews in Cyprus.Arabs should settle with Israel and try to get best possible terms. Export-Import Bank of the U.S. gives loan to Israel. Israel-Egypt negotiations at Rhodes, Greece, bog down in dispute over Negeb. The question is how much of Jewish gains in Negeb will be given up. Disagreement may upset earlier agreements concerning Egyptians in Faluja (January 17) and Egyptian retention of coastal area near Gaza. An American Jewish group pledges aid to Israel but says new state does not represent American Jews. France recognizes Israel. Israel's first elections are held; Mapai party of David Ben-Gurion wins. Italy recognizes Israel.Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin of Britain wins vote of support for his Israel policy in House of Commons, but is criticized by former British prime minister Winston Churchill. Bevin criticizes the U.S. and others for his lack of success in Palestine. Australia and Switzerland recognize Israel. Britain recognizes Israel. Netherlands and Luxembourg recognize Israel. India refuses to recognize Israel. Pakistan refuses to recognize Israel. President Truman grants full recognition to Israel, January 1949.
► 0290 : Transjordan accepts invitation to peace negotiations conducted by UN mediator Ralph Bunche. King Abdullah urges other Arab states to do so also.Israel cabinet decides to incorporate modern Jerusalem into Israel despite UN plans to make it an international city. Israel rejects Israel-Egypt frontier in Negeb. Ecuador and Denmark recognize Israel. UN mediator Ralph Bunche offers another proposal. Israel and Egypt meet in first direct conference. Lebanon and Syria agree to talks, but Lebanon wants Israeli troops off Lebanese soil. British appoint Alexander Knox Helm as first representative to Israel. Brazil recognizes Israel. Italy recognizes Israel. Israel sets expansion goal for 1949. Thus, negotiations begin with Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Rumania to allow 60,000 to 80,000 Jews to emigrate from these countries. Hungary refuses negotiations. Political prisoners receive amnesty, except for Sternists Nathan Friedman Yellin and Matityahu Shmulevitz, who were sentenced to eight and five years in prison, respectively. Transfer of Cyprus refugees to Palestine is completed in Haifa, Palestine. Iceland recognizes Israel. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee arrives in Cairo, Egypt, to begin tour of Arab countries. Ireland recognizes Israel. Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion says Jews would oppose UN plan for Jerusalem. Israel's first Knesset (Parliament) holds sessions in Jerusalem. U.S., Britain, France, and Turkey refuse to send diplomatic observers because they disapprove of the Jewish Agency as site of ceremonies. Objection is that UN had made Jerusalem an international city, yet Israel holds legislative sessions there. Eight hundred ninety immigrants leave Shanghai, China. These immigrants were Germans and Austrians who had fled to China in the 1930 is and then were forced into ghettoes by the Japanese. Argentina recognizes Israel. Chaim Weizmann is elected president of Israel. In a United Jewish Appeal funds dispute among Jewish groups, Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, president of the American sector of Jewish Agency, resigns. Dr. Emanuel Neumann, president of Zionist Organization of America, also resigns. An interim constitution is written for Israel. Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok says Jerusalem is important historically to Israel. He hopes that Arabs will agree to a plan giving modern city to Jews and old city to Arabs. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee had been discussing such a plan with Egypt. Egypt and Israel reach tentative agreement at Rhodes, Greece, armistice conference. Auja, near Egyptian border, is demilitarized. Beersheba, which was assigned to Arabs under partition plan but is now occupied by Israelis discussed. Export-Import Bank of the U.S. loans Israel $35,000,000 for agricultural development. Decision is made to reduce the Israeli army to small, mobile, peacetime force, manning "Weizmann line" of fortresses along boundaries. U.S. strongly denies Saudi Arabian accusations that they continue to ship arms to Jews, citing their rigorous arms embargo and prosecution of American citizens involved in any war activities. UN plane is hit by small-arms fire when passing Israel-Syria border. UN mediator Ralph Bunche submits plan of agreement between Israel and Egypt. Israel would have temporary control of Beersheba. Four hundred ninety-eight Jewish people from Shanghai, China, land in San Francisco. They will cross U.S. in sealed trains. Transjordan is authorized to speak for Iraq during Rhodes, Greece, talks. In negotiations with Transjordan, Israel discusses central Palestine, Beersheba, and eastern Negeb. A permanent Jewish-Arab division of Jerusalem is also discussed. Saudi Arabia says it will favor any agreement, providing rest of Arab League will accept agreement. Syria and Yemen do not accept arrangements. Egypt declares that agreement with Israel is military agreement, because Egypt still does not recognize Israel. Israel and Egypt sign armistice. Israel gets most of Negeb, except Auja which will be demilitarized and serve as UN armistice headquarters.Control of Beersheba depends on permanent settlement with Egypt and armistice with Transjordan. Egypt keeps Gaza. Both sides will withdraw forces from Negeb. President Truman declares he will give aid to all of Middle East. Mapam, a leftist Jewish group, says armistice does not uphold Jewish interests. Israel will not sign armistice with Transjordan until terms are approved by Israeli Assembly. Bolivia recognizes Israel. UN secretary general Trygve Lie cites Israel-Egypt armistice as good example of UN role as influence for peace. James Grover McDonald is appointed first U.S. ambassador to Israel. Eliahu Elath is appointed first Israel ambassador to U.S. Egyptians evacuate garrison at Faluja, February 1949.
► 0393 : Jewish National Fund announces plans to reclaim 25,000 acres of neglected Arab-owned land in Israel over next three years. This year, 198 new settlements will be established and Arab owners will be reimbursed. Nationalist China recognizes Israel and Transjordan. Israel-Lebanon talks are held. UN Palestine Committee invites Arab government to a meeting to discuss Palestinian refugees and permanent Arab peace with Israel. Dr. Bayard Dodge, president emeritus of American University, reports that Arab refugees number 873,000. Jewish immigrants from Shanghai, China, sail for Israel from New York. Israel Transjordan talks are held.Dr. Olga P. Fernberg of Joint Distribution Committee reports that 4,000 Jews who fled from Yemen to Aden in 1947 will be transferred to Israel. Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok says the British troops in Aqaba, Transjordan, are threat to peace. Israeli foreign minister Moshe Shertok changes his last name to Sharett, which means "servant" in Hebrew. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announces Israel's domestic plan. Immigration will be doubled and national center will be located in modern Jerusalem. Mapam refuses to join first Israeli cabinet. Arab Legion and Israel forces skirmish in southern Negeb near Aqaba, Transjordan. British voice their concern concerning Israel's holding territory in Negeb only two miles from Aqaba. Israel completes occupation of Negeb; Jews declare they had not and would not invade Transjordan territory. Israel and Transjordan sign cease-fire agreement.Ban on fighting is made permanent and is to be policed by UN regardless of whether the two countries reach full armistice. Truce does not affect Nablus-Jenin-Tulkarm "triangle" which is held by Iraq troops in north central Palestine. British say they will strengthen garrison in Aqaba, Transjordan. Austria recognizes Israel. Refugee report shows following population numbers: Lebanon-100,000 to 105,000; Syria-85,000 to 100,000; Transjordan-85,000; Iraq-5,000; Egypt-8,000 to 10,000; North Palestine-230,000; and South Palestine-225,000. (Numbers for Palestine only cover areas under Arab occupation.) Israel and Transjordan agree that armistice lines in Jerusalem will be based on November 30 truce. Jews will control modern Jerusalem. Arabs will control old Jerusalem. Private relief agencies working in Middle East meet. They complain that UNRPR is not using enough of already existing personnel and services; instead, UNRPR is struggling to set up its own agencies. Private relief agencies also complain about lack of recognition by UN. Cuba recognizes Israel. Transjordan asks for reinforcement of Aqaba by British. UN mediator Ralph Bunche reports that Syria has agreed to negotiate with Israel. Israel threatens to break off negotiations if British continue to meddle in Negeb. American Appeal for the Holy Land reports relief aid for refugees is hampered by lack of coordination between UN agency and volunteer agencies. The volunteer agencies complain they spent money on food, money which should have gone to social services. Lebanon and Israel sign armistice. UN mediator Ralph Bunche reports to the UN that both Syria and Transjordan violated truce by troop movements in Aqaba area. In New York Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin of Britain is picketed by Israeli sympathizers representing Joint Committee to Combat Anti-Semitism. Brigadier General Husni al Zaim becomes president of Syria. Minister of foreign affairs Amir Arslan resigns. Arslan had opposed "soft" attitude toward Israel, March 1949.
► 0661 : Philippines recognizes Israel. Israel and Transjordan sign armistice. Both sides are bound to decide issues with no aggression. Arab Legion will replace Iraqi army in north-central Palestine. There will be neutral zone between two countries, except Aqaba, where number of forces will remain the same. Committee of Arabs and Jews will work for peace with help from UN Security Council. Jews will control modern Jerusalem, and Arabs will control old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, and central Palestine. Dead Sea will be divided in half.There will be free travel on Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway and Jerusalem-Bethlehem highway. Jerusalem's water supply from Latrun, Palestine, which was cut by the Arabs, will be restored. Jews control Hadera-Afula road, northwest of Nablus-Jenin-Tulkarm. Syria-Israel talks begin. Dr. Mordecai Eliash, Israel's first minister to Britain, arrives in London. Syria charges that Israeli soldiers violated the border near meeting site. Mexico recognizes Israel. Syrians boycott talks. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion of Israel reports Israeli troops have been withdrawn from Syria. UN decides to delay Israel's admittance to UN; Israel still opposes an international Jerusalem. Israel-Syria cease-fire begins. Pope Pius XII asks Catholic nations in UN to support an international Jerusalem and all othersacred places in Holy Land. Pope is concerned about freedom of Catholics and Christians in Palestine. Truce permits Jews to visit old city for Passover. Some Christians are cleared to make Good Friday pilgrimage to Calvary. Syrian prime minister Muhsin al Barazi forms new Syrian cabinet. Barazi favors friendship with West, especially with U.S. Egypt settles with Transjordan. Egypt had opposed Transjordan's plan to annex Arab Palestine. Rabbi Stephen Wise dies. Israeli president Chaim Weizmann visits President Truman. He says Israel would welcome Arab refugees back if they did not have aggressive intentions. Transjordan is now called the Hashemite Jordan Kingdom; it is referred to as Jordan. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee opens its settlement conference in Lausanne, Switzerland. Israeli president Chaim Weizmann meets with Francis Cardinal Spellman. Israel still opposes UN administration of Jerusalem. Walter Etlan of the Israel Foreign Office says Arab displaced persons are an international project, April 1949.
► 0723 : As Jordan's Arab Legion withdraws there is an Arab-Jewish skirmish in Jerusalem. Syrian ban on travel and business by Jews is lifted. Israel celebrates first anniversary of Legislative Council's first meeting. Israel tells UN that Israel should not have to give up any land beyond boundaries of partition because partition resolution was based upon peaceful implementation, and has been erased by Arab revolts and invasion. They also say that refugee problem is the result of the Arab invasion. After most of Arab population evacuated Israel, its ethnic pattern and economic structure changed. Israel cannot take a double burden of Jewish immigration and a return of Arab refugees. Compensation to Arabs must be limited, because Israel cannot afford a large compensation plan. Jordan cabinet admits three Palestinian Arabs. Jews still resist an international Jerusalem; Arabs are upset about Jewish opposition. Israel joins UN. Conditions of admittance include compliance of resolutions 181 and 194. Zionist General Council closes its session. A budget for resettlement and relief of refugees was adopted. Syria and Israel break off armistice negotiations after Syria's refusal to withdraw troops from Mishmar Hay Yaiden, a frontier town in northeast Galilee captured by Israel. Canada recognizes Israel. Foreign minister reports Lebanon will not be able to take many refugees because of unemployment problem there.Arabs at Lausanne, Switzerland, demand that Absentee Act be abrogated to allow owners of groves and grove workers to return. They are concerned about damage to citrus groves. France recognizes Israel. Israel and Poland reach trade agreement. UN headquarters in Haifa, Palestine, is broken into; documents are taken, as well as envelopes addressed to Lausanne and files appear to have been rifled. Britain agrees to allow Israel to spend $14 million of Jewish assets frozen in Britain since 1948, May 1949.
► 0754 : At Lausanne, Switzerland, the refugee population numbers in each country are reported: Syria-60,000; Lebanon-100,000; Iraq-5,000; Egypt-15,000; Jordan-0; Gaza region-140,000; and the region in the Nablus-Jenin-Tulkarm "triangle"-180,000. Indirect Israel-Arab peace negotiations through the UN Palestine Conciliation Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, deadlock. U.S. demands that Israel relax its stand on return of Arab refugees and give Arabs land to compensate for Israeli gains in excess of partition plan. Israel demands that U.S. use economic pressure to force Arabs to discuss all issues concerning Palestine, not only Arab refugee problem. The Bank of America gives loan to be used to compensate Arabs who fled. UN mediator Ralph Bunche advises British not to resume sending arms to the Arabs until it is cleared with Security Council. He points out that ban on weapons in Middle East is still in effect. Senate Expenditures Subcommittee blames International Organization and nations of the world for failing to resettle more than 700,000 displaced persons still in Europe. They say that the problem will never be solved until immigration curbs are ended. Britain announces it will resume sending arms to Arab states. League of Red Cross Societies reports that more than $1 million of UN relief funds for Middle East refugees were wasted in excess profits for middlemen dealing in relief supplies. Israel resists U.S. pressure to break deadlock in UN Palestine Conciliation Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland. Arabs want to discuss refugee problem before discussing peace terms. They request that Israel admit some of the 560,000 to 800,000 Arab refugees. Major Aubrey Eban, of Israeli delegation to UN, protests British resumption of arms shipments to Arabs. The Baghdad Arabic Radio reports the war in Palestine will be resumed shortly. Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok of Israel speaks to Knesset: UN partition plan as well as internationalization of Jerusalem is void because Arabs attacked Israel; Israel should not give up any land that is in excess of partition plan. Arabs are trying to gain land politically because they could not gain land militarily; if Arab refugees are allowed to return before peace settlement, refugees could form army. Israel wants to obtain territory in Gaza from Egypt if 230,000 Arab refugees are readmitted to area; Syria wants more land on the Syrian-Israeli frontier near Galilee, a term Israel will never concede to. At UN, Israel continues its opposition. U.S. delegate Mark Ethridge wants Israel to admit 230,000 Arabs immediately. Arabs attack Jews in territory Israel gained from Jordan northeast of Jerusalem. UN secretary general Trygve Lie advances $1 million of UN funds to continue operations of UNRPR. UN is now helping 940,000 Palestinian Arabs. Rabbi Nathan Wise writes to President Truman, criticizing "Perfidious Albion," his name for Great Britain. He warns U.S. not to be deluded by Great Britain: Britain supplied arms to Arabs and used anti-Israel propaganda; failure of Lausanne Conference was caused by British. Leonard R. Cowles, member of Palestine Conciliation Committee, sends reply saying the conference did not fail.Dr. Walter Eytan, head of Israel delegation, reports to Palestine Conciliation Committee that many orange groves are beyond repair but some groves are being saved using Jewish and Arab labor. There is no need to hire extra labor. All refugees, including grove workers and owners, will be considered under peace plan. He also states that lawful Arab residents of Israel do not have frozen bank accounts. Baghdad Arabic Radio reports on weakness of Arabs, especially Arabs who want normal relations with Israel. Broadcast reports that Arabs will never cease to regard Israel as a hostile enemy. Israel's Knesset endorses Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok's policies concerning boundaries, return of Arab refugees, and futureof Jerusalem, June 1949.
► 0835 : Israel is admitted to World Health Assembly. UN calls meeting to discuss problem of Arab Legion's refusal to admit convoys with supplies and relief personnel to Mount Scopus. In Lausanne, Switzerland, Arabs express their concern about property they left in Palestine. They fear property has been damaged, especially the orange groves. They are also concerned about damage to mosques. Israel says it will release churches as soon as security permits a release. Syria says refugee problem was brought about by Jewish immigration. Israel and Syria sign armistice. Disputed frontier areas are demilitarized. A group of Arab leaders, friendly to mufti of Jerusalem and hostile to King Abdullah of Jordan, meet. They demand that Arab Palestine be made a separate state not an annexation of Jordan. Israel agrees to allow Arab women and children to return if heads of families are in Israel. UN mediator Ralph Bunche announces that all truce conditions may be lifted, including arms embargo. Chief public prosecutor of Sweden intends to examine Israeli report, submitted to UN May 1949, concerning Count Bernadotte's assassination. Arab delegations meet UN Palestine Conciliation Committee.Committee wishes to be informed of refugees 'application' return. Jordan wants concept of family expanded. There is also discussion concerning frozen bank accounts. UN Palestine Conciliation Committee defines its role: to see that Arabs and Israelis strive for definite settlement. Israel offers to admit a definite number (100,000) of Arab refugees when permanent peace is made with Arab states. Israel requests that other Arab countries absorb 600,000 refugees, July 1949.
► 0942 : U.S. representative on committee on refugees reports that refugees do not believe UN reports concerning state of affairs in Palestine. Resettlement in Jordan is not a popular idea, because King Abdullah is not trusted. An inspection of citrus groves shows 50 percent can be saved. UN Security Council votes to relieve mediator Ralph Bunche of his mission.Council orders Israel and Arabs to observe armistice agreements pending permanent peace settlement. Number of truce observers is cut. British resume selling arms to Arabs. Husni al Zaim, who seized power as Syria's president on March 30, and Premier Mohsen el Barazi are taken captive and executed by army officers. There was considerable opposition to Barazi's plan to reach quick settlement with Israel on refugee problem. He planned to have refugees colonize and develop Syria. Egypt goes into mourning, and King Abdullah of Jordan proposes meeting. Direct Israel-Arab talks through Palestine Reconciliation Committee begin, August 1949.
► 0978 : UN Palestine Conciliation Committee submits a plan for an international Jerusalem. City will be demilitarized and divided into Arab and Jewish administrative zones under UN commissioner. Israel announces that it will never approve the plan. International Refugee Organization reports that Israel has admitted 123,000 IRQ-sponsored immigrants, September 1949.
► 1000 : U.S. consulate in Haifa, Palestine, reports that it has a backlog of 15,000 people wanting to immigrate to U.S. A Tel Aviv, Palestine, newspaper office receives a phone call saying UN representatives in Israel are in danger. Egypt charges that Israel opened fire on Abbassan on October 7. Palestine Arab Congress meets. They offer full cooperation with the Economic Survey Mission, an agency of the UN established to study Middle Eastern economic conditions and help refugee settlement.They state that refugees have an inalienable right to return to their homes; that the maximum numberof refugees should be settled in Palestine, then Jordan, and Arab states will take remaining refugees. They also state that Arabs should receive compensation for lost and damaged property. A plan is set up to register refugees. Israel charges that Iraq has arrested and tortured hundreds of Jews and appeals to U.S. and Britain. Harry Greenstein, U.S. adviser on Jewish affairs in Germany, discusses Israel.He reports that Israel wants 150,000 more immigrants in 1950. Israel wants to keep the doors open for every Jew despite resettlement problems of displaced persons. Settlements have tobebuilt, and people must be trained for jobs. Iraq replies to October 23 charges that only 40 Jews were arrested for disturbing the peace. Israel threatens to quit Palestine Conciliation Committee negotiations unless Arab states deal directly with Israel, not through Committee. Secretary General Trygve Lie recommends that UN high commissioner's office be set up January 1,1951, to protect displaced persons after International Refugee Organization disbands, October 1949.
► 1036 : Israel holds reception for new immigrants. Jewish Agency reports that 32,000 Yemenite Jews were flown from Aden to Israel and that Aden-Lydda "airlift" will bring 15,000 more in two weeks. The Jews in the Soviet Union, Rumania, and Hungary are prevented from leaving. UN Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East proposes after a three-month study that the General Assembly set up program of relief and public works in various Arab countries for 652,000 Arab refugees from Palestine. Jewish population in Israel reaches one million. Israel turns down the UN Palestine Conciliation Committee's plan for an international Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett says Jews favored UN control of Jerusalem at one time. They oppose it now, because if they lose Jerusalem they will have to rescue it from Arabs. They recommend that Jerusalem's old city be internationalized. Modern Jerusalem's holy places will be accessible to people of all faiths. Jordan rejects Jerusalem plan. Jordan and Israel are only countries to do so. Pasha el Mulbi says that Jerusalem must be held by Arabs to protect surrounding Arab sectors, November 1949.
► 1049 : UN General Assembly's Political Subcommittee recommends an international Jerusalem despite objections of Israel and Jordan. Political Committee votes for $54,900,000 for direct relief and work relief for Palestinian refugees. UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees is established to handle $54,900,000. It succeeds UNRPR. Burma recognizes Israel. UN General Assembly votes to put Jerusalem under permanent UN rule, the same decision as on November 29, 1947. Arab states approve because they are suspicious of Jordan's King Abdullah. Britain opposes plan because Israel and Jordan will be forced to accept plan. U.S. opposes plan but favors Dutch-Swedish compromise in which only religious shrines would be under UN control, instead of all of Jerusalem. U.S. asks Israel and Jordan not to do anything which would disrupt relations with other Arab states or the Vatican. Knesset ignores UN resolution for internationalization of Jerusalem and votes to complete transfer of all government offices to Jerusalem. UN Trusteeship Council finishes drafting statute for Jerusalem. Israeli government moves to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, Palestine. UN Trusteeship Council proposes to censure Israel for moving its government. It also asks Israel to help UN draft charter for city. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion of Israel announces that Jerusalem will become capital of Israel on January 1, 1950. UN Trusteeship Council asks Israel to call off transfer of its government to Jerusalem. UN Economic Survey Mission plans several projects to be covered by the aid program for Arab refugees including irrigation and hydroelectric development in Arab Palestine and Arab countries. Israel and Jordan ease armistice restrictions so pilgrims can attend Christmas services in Bethlehem. Most people in Holy Land are UN personnel and diplomats, because Jordan prohibits other pilgrims from returning directly to Israel. Israel refuses UN Trusteeship Council request that it remove its capital from modern Jerusalem. Israel claims there are too many obstacles to an international Jerusalem whether or not it is a Jewish capital.Jews claim General Assembly's attempt to internationalize the city is an "attempt to cancel liberty", December 1949.
Reprodüksiyon Notu
Mikrofilm. Frederick, MD : University Puclications of America (UPA), [t.y.]. 1 mikrofilm makarası : pozitif ; 35 mm. 1945-1949.
Konu
Kurum Adı
United States. Department of State.
University Publications of America (UPA)
University Publications of America (UPA)
