501.BB Palestine/10–2249: Telegram
The Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Jessup) to the Secretary of State
1285. Following learned in strictest confidence October 21 from Fawzi Pasha el Mulqi.
King Abdullah and Jordan Government have decided proclaim annexation Arab Palestine by Jordan on January 1, 1950. However, if Arab states by any chance move to set up independent state in Arab Palestine in intervening period, annexation will be proclaimed before January 1. Fawzi said United Kingdom approved idea of annexation and that he certain United Kingdom would extend terms Anglo-Jordan defense treaty to new territory. Just to be on safe side Jordan would request United Kingdom give formal undertaking re extension [Page 1449] treaty before proclaiming annexation. If United Kingdom refused Fawzi thought Abdullah might not go ahead with plan.
Abdullah motivated by conviction Israelis will never give up any territory they now occupy and that he should take steps ensure retention that part Palestine occupied by Jordan. After annexation King plans hold elections for Jordan Parliament in which residents annexed area will participate.
Fawzi said that six months ago feeling against Abdullah in Arab Palestine was so strong, because of territory given up in Jordan-Israeli armistice agreement, that King risked being shot every time he went there. Now, however, his stock has risen to such a degree that he thinks he could even risk a plebiscite on annexation question if this were necessary. Main reason for this change, according to Fawzi, is that Arab Palestinians have come to realize that Jordan is only Arab state which can and will protect their interests.
Department please pass London as USUN 57, Amman as USUN 3, Jerusalem as USUN 6.