"Escape" to the Arabs
305
But how long can they hold out? What are their reserves of
food and ammunition?"
I replied honestly that I did not know, for these were
among the closest-guarded secrets of the New City.
"How were you able to escape from the Jewish guards at
Deir Aboutor?" the Legion commander asked.
I recited how I had done it, adding: "You won't believe
me when I say this, Major, but I met very few guards. The
Jews seem to be very short of manpower."
"I cannot believe that. They attack with great force."
"Unless they are hiding their men, Major, I swear to you I
saw very few of them." I was sure I could not convince him
with the truth.
"What has been the effect of our shelling?"
"It has had a devastating effect on the houses and business
areas, and is keeping the Jews off the streets. They dread the
shelling. But the effect on the morale is mixed. Some are discouraged. Others are not. It will take a long time to crush
Jewish morale completely."
"Then you think they are not ready to surrender?"
"No. They would rather die fighting than surrender."
"Our shells will batter them until they surrender—just as
the Jews in the Jewish quarter must surrender in the next few
days. Why don't you stay and report the news?" the major
asked suddenly.
"I had intended to leave Jerusalem immediately," I said,
"but since you graciously invite me, I will be happy to stay.
Major, I have heard the Arabs say unpleasant things about my
people. Is this true?"
"I have already spoken over the radio and stated that the
rumors against your people are false. I've warned that those
who continue to whisper these lies will be punished. I am
trusting you, an Armenian. Is that not sufficient answer?"
I looked at Captain Zaki, who was slumped in his seat. He
would not meet my eyes, and soon left the room. The major
wrote out a slip, authorizing my stay, then turned to other