767N.90i/12–1249: Telegram
The Chargé in Jordan (Fritzlan) to the Secretary of State
418. Saturday p. m. I had long audience King Abdullah at Shuneh during which following discussed.
- 1.
- Istanbul Conference: Conveyed substance recapitulation conference conclusions to King who expressed pleasure US adopted strict impartial attitude vis-à-vis Israelis and Arabs and that US approved direct talks and willing encourage both sides settle differences this manner.
- 2.
- Jerusalem: King bitterly resentful regarding GA action re Jerusalem and especially critical attitude Arab States. Asked me convey US Government appreciation US opposition amended Austrian [Australian] resolution, protested he had many times declared he would not leave Jerusalem and he intended abide by these declarations. Derived some comfort from his belief internationalization will not be carried out.
- 3.
- ESM report: Abdullah very pleased GA adopted ESM report without dissent and obviously expects much benefit from RWRA.
- 4.
- Jordan–Israel negotiations: King fairly hopeful success. Raised question US moral support “reasonable” Jordan claims. I replied US did not wish become involved in negotiation as we believe durable settlement obtainable only through direct negotiations two parties concerned without intervention. King replied he understood our position but hoped if opportunity arose US would support any Jordan claims it considered reasonable (particularly concerned re outlet to Mediterranean) added he had recently detected more conciliatory Israel attitude attributing this to possible suggestions made by Secretary Acheson to Sharett during recent meeting.
After audience with His Majesty I had long talk with Samir Pasha Rifai re progress negotiations with Israelis. He said crucial point was [Page 1534] manner arranging Jordan access to Mediterranean. Official Jordan position still demands south Negev across which road could be built connect Tafila at SE end Dead Sea with Gaza.
Samir stated Israelis proposed corridor Hebron to Gaza under Jordan “jurisdiction”. To this he replied allegedly that only alternative to south Negev which could be considered would be Hebron–Gaza corridor with full Jordan sovereignty but giving Israel transit rights at specific points. In addition Jordan would demand return certain land Tulkarm area as well as Israeli relinquishment all Arab quarters Jerusalem.
Samir added Israelis put forward claim for land west of Dead Sea to permit Israeli road link between potash works both ends Dead Sea. They also expressed concern possible establishment British bases Arab Palestine as having bad psychological effect.
December 8 talks were inconclusive and it seems next discussions, date not fixed, will be decisive. I have feeling neither King nor Samir will wish continue negotiations unless basic question access to sea can be solved satisfactorily.
Re obtaining Gaza from Egyptians Samir believes this will not be difficult as Egypt would like to be rid of refugees among whom Egyptian administration has been very unpopular. He feels this question can be resolved in time without great difficulty.
Re British bases in Palestine, Samir seemed feel some satisfaction might be given Israelis as from military viewpoint present bases would afford adequate protection. However, Jordan would never consider restriction British treaty of alliance to east bank Jordan River.
Sent Department 418, Department pass London 107, USUN 23, Tel Aviv 65, Jerusalem 147. Pouched Arab capitals.