767N.90i/12–1349: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
4948. Furlonge, who has now replaced Burrows as head of Eastern Department, Foreign Office, said today that two recent telegrams from Kirkbride report December 8 meeting between Israel and Jordan was very stormy. Principal bone of contention continued to be Jordan’s demand for access to Mediterranean. Israelis offered to give Jordan “jurisdiction” over corridor, but took strong stand could not alienate Israeli sovereignty over any territory. In presenting jurisdiction proposal, Israelis cited US-Panamanian agreement giving US right of access to Colon. Jordan turned offer down flatly. Israel reported to have argued could not give Jordan sovereignty over corridor, thereby splitting country in half, to which Jordan reported to have replied there was no question of splitting country in half, since Jordan desired southern Negev as well. Talks then adjourned sine die.
2. Prior to foregoing deadlock, parties discussed question of Jerusalem and there was agreement in principal regarding re-drawing [Page 1541] present line to meet points re access Hebrew University, Wailing Wall, et cetera. Israel also requested cession of area containing power station on Yarmuk River, to which Jordan replied it had not entered into talks to discuss disposal of Jordan territory.
3. Towards end of session, Abdullah reported to have come into room and stated that there could be no peace settlement unless Israel prepared make some concessions. He must be able show territorial concessions in order justify his action with other Arab states. If such concessions not forthcoming, he would prefer see present armistice arrangements continuing in effect.
4. Decision as to next meeting left to Israel.
5. Furlonge clearly gloomy on prospects any settlement between two parties as result these conversations.
Department pass Amman as London’s 10.
Sent Department 4948, repeated Tel Aviv 79.