U.N. Truce Commission to Check Jewish Food Convoys Entering Jerusalem Via New Road

The United Nations Truce Commission has ordered a spot check of Jewish convoys at Bat el Wad, west of Jerusalem, to see if the Jews are bringing in additional supplies in convoys protected by Palmach troops and over a secret road built during the height of the battle for control of the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway last month. The action was taken after announcement of the arrival last night of the first food motorcade to reach this city’s 100,000 Jews in seven weeks, using this route.

The secret road, a six-mile tract dug and blasted out of granite hills south of Latrun, was constructed after a heavy Jewish attack failed to drive the Arab Legion out of positions controlling the main highway at Latrun. At this time the road is considered safe for both military and civilian supply parties, but to win positions controlling this new spur it was necessary to launch heavy attacks which were costly in terms of men and material.

Meanwhile, the Arab Legion commander here, British Brigadier Norman Lash, has threatened to open fire with heavy artillery on Jewish convoys entering Jerusalem via the new route. If the Jews use this route, completely within Jewish hands, they are legally not required to limit the food stocks they bring into Jerusalem, since only food in convoys brought in by the Bed Cross over Arab-controlled roads, will be doled out under the terms of Bernadotte’s cease-fire plan. The Legion commander challenged this concept as a violation of the truce agreement.

Jerusalem inhabitants today paraded though peaceful streets dressed in their holiday clothes in honor of the Shevuoth holiday. Their cheerful mood was heightened by the knowledge that the Israeli army had finally succeeded in breaking the food blockade.