867N.01/6–848: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
872. Prom conversations in Amman Consulate General officer gained distinct impression that Transjordan at least desires see end to present hostilities. During interview June 3 King Abdullah indicated it would still be possible for Arabs Jews live together Palestine. Said he did not hate Jews did not wish make war on them and stated that war had been forced on him by Arab League which had placed entire responsibility on him.
After interview Sherif Husein Nasser, King’s son-in-law, former Iraqi Consul General in Jerusalem and now on loan from Iraqi Government as Abdullah’s Rais El Diwan, asked Consulate General officer remain for further talk. Said he spoke not as official of King’s household [Page 1106] but as member King’s family. Stated King had never wished to make war on Jews, that it had been forced on him by Arab League and that King would be glad see it come to an end. Abdullah realized strength of Jews and did not wish risk losing his army which would mean end of King’s present strong position vis-à-vis other Arab States. Sherif Nasser spoke almost pleadingly as appealing for way to be found out of war which would permit King save face and honor. He indicated that acceptance of SC truce resolution was due in fact to pressure exerted by King.
Further talks with many persons in Amman including Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Kirkbride, Glubb and others in and out of government circles indicated feeling exists that war has gone on long enough, that it could not possibly end in victory for Arabs and that time works in favor Jews. Various persons pointed to fact that Arab Legion which is admittedly best Arab army in field has not yet attempted any large scale operation against Jews in Jewish territory. Jerusalem operation was relatively small and simple. Operations at Latrun have resulted in no gains by either side although Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road still blocked. British officers Arab Legion appear to be proceeding cautiously to avoid risking any major engagement with Jews.
It also of interest that King has appointed Ibrahim Hashem Pasha as Governor Arab areas occupied by Arab troops. He former Transjordan Prime Minister and supporter of partition of Palestine as proposed by Peel Comm. He still believed be pro-partition.
Another factor which may influence continued course of war is open reappearance of rivalry between Hashemites on one hand and Syria, Saudi Arabia and possibly Lebanon on other. This rivalry was apparent in Arab League political commission meetings in Amman last week (Beirut’s 46 June 3, 2 [1] p. m.1). Former Under Secretary Transjordan Foreign Office Abdel Moneim Rifai, who still close to Transjordan political adviser, told Consulate General officer he believed Arab war effort would be considerably weakened by return of undercurrent of dissension which will make common front on Palestine more difficult. Lack Arab military successes will also serve increase bitter feelings among Arab States.
In summary Consulate General officer found widespread desire among persons who responsible for conduct Transjordanian affairs to see end to war if honorable way out involving no loss prestige could be found for Transjordan.
Department please pass London, Arab Capitals.