867N.01/12–149
Memorandum by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Hare) to the Secretary of State
Subject: Your Appointment With the Jordan Minister of Defense on Tuesday, December 6, 1949, at 3:00 p. m.
Discussion
The Jordan Minister of Defense, Fawzi Pasha el Mulki, now in the United States as Jordan delegate to the Palestine Conciliation Commission, is calling on you on Tuesday, December 6, 1949, at 3:00 p. m., to present a letter addressed to the President by King Abdullah of Jordan.1 A translation of the letter is attached for your information. (Tab A).2
Fawzi Pasha originally requested an interview with the President, but it could not be arranged because of the President’s schedule. The President suggested that you receive Fawzi Pasha in his behalf.
It is understood that Fawzi Pasha will discuss briefly his country’s attitude on the Palestine question, including the problem of Jerusalem.
Recommendations
- 1.
- It is recommended that you accept the letter on behalf of the President and express appreciation for Fawzi Pasha’s visit. You may wish to inform him that the letter will be brought to the President’s attention at an early date.
- 2.
- It is recommended that you take the following line with respect to the matters which Fawzi Pasha proposes to discuss:
(a) Jerusalem
King Abdullah opposes the internationalization of Jerusalem on the grounds that it would prejudice the security of Jordan. He believes that if Arab Jerusalem were demilitarized a gap would be created in Jordan’s defense lines and both Jordan and Arab Palestine would be exposed to possible Israel aggression. Consequently, Fawzi Pasha, acting as Jordan spokesman, has informed the United Nations that his Government considers that Arab Jerusalem should remain under Jordan control. Jordan has, however, guaranteed free access to and protection of the Holy Places.
You may wish to point out to Fawzi Pasha that the United States continues to support the principle of internationalization and express [Page 1516] the hope that Jordan will cooperate with the United Nations in respect to the Jerusalem question.
(b) Palestine Settlement
Fawzi Pasha will probably refer to the President’s message of March 28, 1949, to the King (Tab B),3 and outline the present views of Jordan regarding a final settlement. In this connection, direct negotiations are presently proceeding between Jordan and Israel and it may be that Fawzi Pasha will express the hope that the United States will continue to give sympathetic understanding to the desire of Jordan to reach a settlement.
You might point out that the United States believes that it is in the best interests of the parties themselves to settle this question as quickly as possible. We hope they will work either through the United Nations or directly to achieve this end. It is suggested that you also indicate that the United States Government stands ready to assist the parties, both as a member of the Palestine Conciliation Commission and in such other ways as may seem desirable, in reaching a final settlement.