To Jerusalem

Abstract

Bernadotte’s rescue mission in Germany in 1945 and his mediation mission in Palestine in 1948 were related: the second would not have been possible without the first. His success in 1945 brought about his promotion in January 1946 to Chairman of the Swedish Red Cross,¹ elevating him to the highest rank of the world’s humanitarians and mediators. The success of his book, and ceremonies in his honour held by governments and organisations whose members were saved by his expedition, further contributed to his prestige. He was now recognised as a diplomat of note, a keen humanitarian, a sympathiser of the Jewish people. He had other career assets: a personal friendship with Trygve Lie who was soon elected to the position of UN Secretary-General, Swedish nationality, and the fact that he was available, for his organisation could always do without him for a while. Some never changed their poor opinion of his competence, and the malicious campaign led by Kersten against him continued unabated beneath the surface. But many held a favourable, in some quarters enthusiastic, opinion of him. He was on the way towards his desired career as an ‘international humanitarian’.