867N.00/11–1049: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
814. In hour’s talk with Comay, Israeli Foreign Office, November 9 on general matters, Ford took occasion discuss substance Deptel 705, November 5.1 Made specific reference June 20 aide-mémoire (Deptel 375, June 17) and suggested MAC seemed most appropriate medium for handling Scopus and other questions this nature. Comay was noncommittal other than to say Elath had sent similar information. He added, however, that McNeil of British Government had spoken to Eban in New York re possibility making “horse trade” on several items in Article VIII Israel–Trans Jordan armistice agreement. Comay said Israeli Government had authorized Eban to suggest that “if requested from right quarters” Israel would be prepared give Arabs free access to Bethlehem Road and provide electricity for Old City in exchange for free access to Scopus. Comay unwilling vouchsafe any explanation of British interest other than over-all one of “getting on with job” and also said no further steps appeared to have been taken following McNeil–Eban meeting. Comay stressed that his government, in suggesting such “deal” within Article VIII, did not intend thereby to establish precedent for handling other unsettled items that article or elsewhere in armistice agreement.
Comment: While Comay reiterated that his remarks were both “informal and unofficial”, Ford gathered impression he hoped suggested [Page 1482] “trade” would be broached by neutral source (British or US) to avoid automatic refusal should it come from either Arabs or Jews. End Comment.2
Sent Department 814; Department pass Jerusalem 94, Amman 59.
- See footnote 2, p. 1471.↩
- Chargé Fritzlan, on November 10, advised that the Jordanian Foreign Minister and Acting Defense Minister were generally sympathetic to a return of cultural and humanitarian activities. The Foreign Minister indicated that, in return for access to Mt. Scopus, Israel must make a substantial concession which would contribute toward a resumption of normal living conditions in Jerusalem. Both Ministers were said to have viewed the matter as an appropriate one for consideration by the Mixed Armistice Commission (telegram 395 from Amman, 867N.00/11–1049).↩