501.BB Palestine/12–2348: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Acting Secretary of State
1550. Yesterday Truce Commission called on Colonel Dayan to explore means breaking present impasse in PGI–TransJordan talks. Pointed out to Dayan its conviction both parties sincerely desire peace and present propitious moment carry out to conclusion talks successfully begun. Stated appeared Transjordan considering itself unable in view opposition from other Arab states (particularly Iraq) to engage in direct armistice talks although it recognized such approach best procedure. Suggested same objective might be achieved by secret talks or continuation meetings under guise implementing cease-fire. Agreements could be reached which both sides would recognize as permanent but without publicity.
Dayan replied PGI ready negotiate armistice and peace either publicly or secretly. Formula used made no difference. Revealed that Colonel Tel in private discussion with him at meeting December 5 suggested secret discussions on basic issues for Jerusalem area. Dayan agreed, but Tel apparently received new orders and evaded continuation talks. Only after convinced Arabs stalling did Dayan make public [Page 1688] offer of armistice talks. Dayan ‘believes King Abdullah, after building up Jericho conference and reaching verge of direct talks with PGI stopped short in view adverse Arab reaction. Recalled Abdullah known as wily fox and probably thinks can stall along and await developments over next few months. Dayan accused British of discouraging Abdullah from proceeding with talks. He insisted PGI would brook no delaying tactics. Reiterated PGI opinion its offer negotiate armistice fulfilled obligations under SC resolution November 16 (Contel 1528, 11th) and left it free take whatever action felt necessary. Implied PGI would resume hostilities if stalemate continues.
TC considers Dayan and PGI sincere in desire negotiate permanent settlement with Abdullah. Dayan on previous occasion stated to Consul General PGI anxious terminate war so could devote energy to main problems of immigration and settlement. TC also feels very definite possibility PGI decision resume hostilities, quickly terminate war by pushing to Jordan (both Jews, Arab Legion and United Nations observers feel can do so with no difficulty) and thus end present drain on economy. Delay may also result in breakdown present cease-fire without deliberate intention on either side. According to Dayan, first serious breaches cease-fire occurred yesterday with one Israeli soldier killed by Egyptians south of Jerusalem and heavy fire opened on Jerusalem Tel Aviv road by Arab Legion from Beit Iksa. French Consul General pointed out present stalemate has relatively slight effect economies Arab states who may well deliberately dally along in hope some event will swing situation their favor. Fallacy this tactic should be obvious from constant deterioration Arab position versus Jews and much more unfavorable settlement they can expect now from that offered by first or second Bernadotte recommendations.
Consul General feels strongly every effort should be extended at present secure agreement between PGI and Transjordan instead risking decision by PGI resume hostilities and gradual termination ceasefire Jerusalem. Measure confidence and cooperation now established and advantage should be taken present situation to push through to armistice. From conversations with British Consul General Jerusalem appears British while perhaps not discouraging Abdullah from armistice talks certainly not urging him conclude peace. British appear believe because opposition Arab states present not right moment and armistice agreement would place Abdullah too strongly at mercy of Jews. Consul General suggests Department may wish impress on British advisability conclusion immediate settlement between Abdullah and PGI and may wish Stabler present same views informally to [Page 1689] King. Willingness British extend terms Transjordan defense treaty to include Arab Palestine under Transjordan control on conclusion armistice or peace would prove powerful inducement to Abdullah. At same time Iraqis might be advised to at least acquiesce in such settlement and effect agreement on their part with Jews re resumption flow oil to Haifa would have in relieving their financial situation again pointed out. Among Arabs only Iraqi forces in central Palestine could cause Transjordan difficulty.1
Sent Department 1550, repeated Baghdad 38, Beirut 111, Damascus 58, London 38, Amman 15; pouched Cairo 153, Jidda 19.
- The Department replied on December 24, stating it was “grateful suggestion your helpful and well-reasoned tel 1550 Dec 23. Unfortunately, moves you suggest appear unfeasible view present outbreak hostilities. Dept will give careful consideration suggested course of action if favorable circumstances established.” (telegram 1070, 501.BB Palestine/12–2348)↩