Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Arab-Israeli Dispute; United Arab Republic; North Africa, Volume XIII

90. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State¹

New York, September 17, 1959—7 p.m.

375. Re: Mt. Scopus, Deptel 241.²

1. We saw Bunche to inquire about “unconfirmed report” of Jordanian intention starting September 18, to fire on Israeli patrols in Solomon’s Garden area. Bunche replied this unfortunately not “unconfirmed report”. He then showed us cables from Von Horn reporting his conversation with Jordanian Minister Defense September 10, text letter from Jordanian Defense Minister Sept 14, and text letter Von Horn sent Jordanian PriMin presumably Sept 15.

2. Sept 10 Von Horn saw Jordanian Minister Defense at latter’s “urgent request.” Defense Minister told Von Horn lull in Israeli patrolling of Solomon’s Garden area had ended with Israeli patrols on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th of Sept. Defense Minister said Jordan could not continue tolerate such activity. UN could have week, that is through Sept 17, to attempt end patrols by diplomatic means. Unless something accomplished by Sept 18 Jordan would be forced to “ultima ratio” and army would fire on Israeli patrols.

3. Subsequently, on Sept 14, Minister Defense sent letter to Von Horn restating position presented on 10th even more categorically judging from language of Von Horn’s reports. Also Sept 14, Von Horn cabled SYG text letter Von Horn proposed send to Jordanian PriMin. Key paragraph in two-page letter says that unless Jordan changes its decision on military action Von Horn will have no choice but to bring decision to SYG’s attention for transmittal to Security Council since military action by Jordan will be military action violation SC’s unconditional cease-fire resolutions. (With small alteration in text, Hammarskjold on same day, September 14, authorized Von Horn to send letter to Jordanian PriMin.)

4. Bunche estimates Jordanian PM received Von Horn’s letter September 15. So far no reply has been received from Jordanians. Israeli patrol action tomorrow unless PM withdraws or alters virtual ultimatum contained in Defense Minister’s letter of September 14.

5. If shooting incident occurs tomorrow or if a reply comes from Jordan which does not indicate change from Defense Minister’s position, Bunche expressed view SYG will have no choice but to report present problem and its background to SC. Bunche made it clear that utterly “unnecessary” provocative and “politically motivated” character Israeli patrolling would emerge from any such report by SYG.

6. Bunche said he, Cordier and SYG have all at various times in recent months told Israelis their patrolling activities at night on road to Issawiya Village and in vicinity Solomon’s Gardens were unnecessary irritants inevitably leading toward trouble. He said when such comments made to Israelis in times of relative quiet, Israelis retorted in effect “What are you concerned about? These areas are quiet. You are only trying to stir up trouble.” When such approaches made to Israelis during times of tension, Israeli retort had been, in effect, “you are acting as agents of Jordanians in trying to get us to change under pressure of threatened use of force.”

Bunche said in reply to our question he thought it useless for SYG to approach Tekoah or FonMin Meir (now in New York) on this question. He said Meir would only blow up at SYG for acting as agent of Jordanians in trying to get Israelis to back down under threat of force.

8. Bunche had some hope Von Horn’s letter to Jordanian PM might still ease tension. However, he expressed strong hope our Ambassador Tel Aviv approach Israeli Government urging end to patrolling at Issawiya and Solomon’s Gardens; at same time Bunche suggested our Ambassador in Amman could approach Jordanian Government urging against military action.³

Wadsworth

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/9–1759. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Tel Aviv and Amman.
2. Telegram 241 asked the USUN to call to the attention of Bunche or Cordier an unconfirmed report that Jordan would fire on Israeli patrols on Mt. Scopus if they had not been stopped by September 18. (Ibid., 684A.85/9–1059)
3. In telegram 445 from Amman, received in the Department of State at 3:30 a.m., September 18, the Embassy reported that following a conversation with Von Horn during the morning of September 17, the Jordanian Government had withdrawn its ultimatum. (Telegram 445, September 17; ibid., 684A.85/9–1759)