THE CEASE-FIRE A radio broadcast, June 10, 1948 From the Provisional Government, I bring a brief message to the nation. The Government has decided to accept the will of the Security Council that hostilities should cease for four weeks on all fronts. The Arab States, the State of Israel, and the Arabs of Palestine were all required to comply, and the cease-fire begins tomorrow, June 11, at 10 a.m. local time. Our decision was only taken after deep thought and long debate, for we saw clearly the disadvantages and detriments involved. But we were moved by two main considerations: First, from the very beginning of aggression by neighbors egged on and aided by foreign elements wishful to stir up strife and contention between Jew and Arab, we have affirmed over and over again our readiness to cease fire the moment the enemy did. Second, this State is building its future on the creative and fighting quality of its people and its foreign policy rests squarely on the paramount principle of mutual understanding and ad- justment with the United Nations. We, therefore, will hold our fire if and as the enemy holds his --in good faith, and all Army Commanders have had unequivocal orders accordingly. The Jews in Jerusalem, all inhabitants of the State, all dwelling within our occupied areas, are bidden strictly to desist from breach of the agreement. Always and perempto- rily, independence demands perfect discipline, national unity, a closing of all ranks around constituted authority. The Government will permit no attempt to violate our pact -246- |