867N.01/12–648: Telegram
Mr. Wells Stabler to the Acting Secretary of State
secret
Amman, December
6, 1948—6 p. m.
144. Kirkbride said this morning:
- 1.
- Prime Minister received another message from Sassoon following signature cease-fire agreement in Jerusalem in which he expressed satisfaction and hope that it would lead to permanent peace settlement. Prime Minister felt that no reply required.
- 2.
- Re annexation Arab Palestine to Transjordan, British Govt being “coy”. He felt that Transjordan would take no such step without full approval His Majesty’s Government as treaty obligations [Page 1648] could not be extended to cover Arab Palestine without consent His Majesty’s Government. Moreover believed that present time not propitious and has taken line with Prime Minister that since annexation will eventually take place, not desirable to push it.
- 3.
- Prime Minister apparently changing view re his participation in negotiations and settlement. Previously Prime Minister held view that he could not have anything to do with negotiations as his policy based on unity Arab states. However he now beginning to feel wishes to remain in office.
- 4.
- Re Transjordan talks with Egyptians in Paris British delegation had approached Egyptian delegation which had replied that it could take no step which would prejudice position it has adopted with other Arab states re Palestine.
Sent Jerusalem by pouch. Passed Gadel 30.
Stabler