767N.901/12–2749: Telegram
The Chargé in Jordan (Fritzlan) to the Secretary of State
431. I saw Samir Pasha Sunday morning, received following re meeting between him and Shiloah and Sassoon last Friday: Outset Samir asked Israelis what formula they devised satisfy Jordan’s claim access Mediterranean. Shiloah said after much consideration Israeli Government had decided could not give up [apparent garble] but would give Jordan sea front of about 3 km. just north Israel–Egypt line and possibly 3 additional km. if present no-man’s land on front divided between Israelis and Egyptians. Israelis would allow Jordan full sovereignty over corridor Hebron to this coast point width to be 50 to 100 meters. However, should Jordan later obtain Gaza strip [Page 1559] from Egypt (Israel would support Jordan’s claim) Jordan must return coastal area obtained from Israel. Shiloah admitted this point access sea consisted rough country covered with sand dunes and would be little if any economic value though satisfying Jordan’s political ambitions.
To this proposal Samir replied Jordan access to sea was of importance purely from economic standpoint and Israeli offer therefore worthless. Also he could not think of corridor in terms of meters. Jordan must obtain substantial amount territory to justify peace settlement with Israelis to Arab world. Added he saw no point continuing negotiations unless Israel recognized validity these arguments. Finally he put Israelis on defensive by implying they had divulged to press such content recent talks which he thought were highly secret.
At this point King Abdullah injected conciliatory note and, Samir thinks, would likely have gone far accept Israeli proposal but for ill-considered remark by Sassoon that even if Israel made peace with Jordan they would have maintain large military forces view potential threat other Arab states. He added Israel could make substantial concessions Jordan only as part general settlement with all Arab states. Hearing this King became indignant expressing surprise that so little importance should be attached to agreement with Jordan.
Upshot of meeting was decision negotiations should continue though Samir expressed belief time had come inform Jordan Government progress talks and let Prime Minister decide if adequate basis existed for initiation formal discussions or whether matter should be dropped. Tentatively agreed after King returns from Baghdad and Samir from Tehran (proceeding Tehran tomorrow extend invitation to Shah visit Amman) Samir should discuss situation with Ben-Gurion in Jerusalem.
Comment: Samir anxious force issue access to sea and it seems clear Israelis must go much farther than they have accommodate Jordan if Samir will agree continue talks. He seemed tired and discouraged and somewhat indifferent outcome discussions. His meeting with Ben-Gurion should decide whether formal negotiations are begun or whether discussions are discontinued.
Following conversation with Samir I received substantially same account latest Jordan–Israel meeting from British Minister Kirk-bride who has generally refrained from expressing his view re what Jordan should get out of peace settlement.
Sent Department 431; Department pass London 117, USUN 29, Tel Aviv 68, Jerusalem 150, Cairo 55; pouched Arab capitals.