Office of the Historian

867N.01/12–2249: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State

secret
London, December 22, 1949—6 p. m.

5079. Embtel 5062 December 20.1 Furlonge, Eastern Department FonOff, said today that UK study of extension UK–Jordan treaty to Arab Palestine was occasioned by recent Israeli inquiry whether treaty would automatically apply to any territory which Jordan might gain as result peace negotiations. Israelis intimated they would be less happy about reaching agreement if treaty were extended such territory.

Last evening FonOff instructed British Minister Tel Aviv to inform Israeli Government that question extension to any area acquired by Jordan is matter which concerns only UK and Jordan. He was instructed add, however, that UK has no intention establishing any bases in territory so acquired in time of peace, but that what UK might do in case of war or threat of war was another question which UK could not express its intention at present time.

British Minister Amman was instructed inform Jordan Government of foregoing message, but to add for Jordan’s own confidential information that it is firm intention of UK to apply treaty to any areas acquired by Jordan as soon as they have been incorporated within their state.

Asked if foregoing applied to any corridor which Jordan might acquire, Furlonge replied affirmatively.

When we recalled that he had told us December 19 that FonOff studying certain points on which it contemplated Jordan might ask its advice, Furlonge replied treaty was principal item. He reiterated it is desire UK to maintain hands off attitude toward Jordan-Israeli talks. However FonOff has also given Kirkbride some comments “mostly of technical nature” on question of corridor for his guidance in case he is asked by Jordan. Asked if establishment of corridor would pose any particular problems for UK, Furlonge replied in negative but stated FonOff did not think corridors were ever completely satisfactory arrangements.

Sent Department 5079; repeated Tel Aviv 84, Baghdad 118, Cairo 159, Jidda 66, Beirut 46, Damascus 77.

Holmes
  1. Not printed.↩