125.0090i/6–1748: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
933. During present Palestine crisis, Amman has increasingly become center for Arab political and military decisions. We rely on occasional visits to Amman by Consulate Generar officer and on such material as British choose to make available for information on political and military developments that area. Since it appears likely that influence and strategic importance of Transjordan will increase in Middle East (because of Arab Legion if for no other reason) would Department wish consider informal assignment to Amman of consular officer and one code clerk for political reporting purposes. Cable and [Page 1120] Wireless maintains full radio facilities in Amman for communications with Washington.
If Department approves this plan Consulate General could make informal approach to Transjordan Government through Prime Minister.1
- The Department, in reply on June 22, requested
Jerusalem’s comments on the feasibility of its tentative thinking
that an “officer might proceed to Amman in capacity of liaison
officer for Amer member Truce Commission. This would avoid raising
question of recognition of Transjordan yet permit officer to report
to Jerusalem and to Dept.” (Telegram 633, 125.0090i/6–1748)
Vice Consul Burdett, on June 26, advised that the Department’s thinking was “entirely feasible” and suggested that the “officer proceed soonest in order purpose his assignment may be clearly established prior end present cease fire.” (Telegram 977, June 26, 10 a. m., from Jerusalem, 501.BB Palestine/6–2648)
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