867N.00/11–2149: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem ( Burdett ) to the Secretary of State
confidential
Jerusalem
, November 21, 1949—4 p. m.
655. Dayan on nineteenth gave following personal appreciation present Palestine situation. States is still in process taking over southern command; has established direct personal relations with Jordan and Egypt commanders in area; continues to follow activities of MACS and discuss them with Sharett.
- 1.
- Prospects favorable for direct negotiations with Jordan and Lebanon after termination GA which he expects will take no final action. Both have many open questions with Israel, particularly economic, whose solution would be mutually beneficial. King Abdullah long fed on belief Great Powers or PCC will force concessions from [Page 1503] Israel. Now realizes just wishful thinking and will have to make direct settlement through own efforts.
- 2.
- Abdullah’s relations with other Arab states already very bad and he disappointed at outcome Arab League meeting. Agreement with Israel could hardly cause further deterioration and would permit King show his independence of action and defiance other Arab States. Abdullah has always dreamed of building personal kingdom during his lifetime and this furnishes strong inducement to reach agreement including incorporation Arab Palestine in Jordan. Abdullah one Arab leader who needs not fear popular reaction and overthrow his government. Assassination possible, but this danger always present.
- 3.
- Immediate agreement with Egypt and Syria more unlikely. Egypt commander stated could not act until after Egypt elections. Syria also would have to wait until next Syrian elections. However, problems with these two countries not serious.
- 4.
- Agreements need not take form of formal treaties. He personally would like to see establishment very close relations with Jordan which would give Israel Arab partner. Countries approximately same size; possesses many mutual problems that can only be solved through cooperation and joint enterprises. Mentioned potash works and development of Jordan Valley.
- 5.
- Abdullah entirely willing accept all refugees now in his territory so question of repatriation eliminated insofar as Jordan concerned.
- 6.
- Re boundaries, possible to make minor adjustments with Jordan to prevent owners from being cut off from lands. Abdullah has now abandoned hopes for return of Ramle and Lydda, and real corridor to sea naturally impossible. Lebanon needs boundary arrangement permitting labor in Lebanon to work their lands in Israel as during mandate.
- 7.
- Prospects best for economic agreements. Israel perfectly willing give Jordan free zone at Haifa and right transport any goods duty free across its territory using own transport and administering free zone. This would give Abdullah his own long desired outlet to sea. Arrangements could be made re-activate potash plants at both northern and southern ends of Dead Sea with produce shipped out as previously via Jerusalem. Under present, conditions Israel cannot export but neither can Jordan. If no agreement made, Israel will execute plan already prepared to build new road for exports.
- 8.
- Jerusalem most difficult problem. GA will take no specific action and then Israel and Jordan can work out agreement. Could take form either of complete partition of city cutting each side off entirely from other or cooperative arrangement. Latter preferred and could include free access to Scopus in return for free use of Bethlehem Road (other [Page 1504] Israeli lately insisted on Israel-controlled corridor to Scopus and not merely free access). Solution of Jerusalem problem would also permit Israel “make peace with consular corps”.
Sent Department 655; repeated Baghdad 72, Beirut 130, Damascus 91, Jidda 15, Tel Aviv 135, London 68. Department pass Cairo 47. Pouched Amman.
Burdett