767N.901/12–2749: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
confidential
Jerusalem, December 27, 1949—4 p. m.
703. After stating he is following Israel–Jordan discussions closely, Colonel Dayan on twenty-fifth commented:
- (1)
- Although agreement in principle obtained on all points raised, negotiations now reached impasse. King ready conclude peace on basis present position two parties but not able find Prime Minister willing sign agreement. Difficulty not any specific issue but fundamental question of willingness conclude treaty with Jews. No Jordanian leader except King willing incur public odium involved such action.
- (2)
- If present opportunity to conclude agreement missed, considerable period may elapse before chance arises again. Current unstable situation Syria likely revive greater Syria and Fertile Crescent plans and cause King postpone any action re Israel. King’s sudden visit Baghdad indicates his preoccupation Syrian problem. Syrian internal troubles may spread to other Arab states leading to wide area and long period turmoil. Israel–Jordan agreement now would contribute to stability whole area. Also negotiations will prove more difficult after election new Jordan parliament with large percentage Palestinians.
- (3)
- Inquired (Dayan spoke entirely personally and informally) whether US prepared urge both sides conclude peace. I replied basic US objective is area peace and stability and US thinks direct negotitions best approach to settlement but not willing specify conditions to either party. Dayan stated was not suggesting US supporting specific terms but fundamental question concluding peace with Israel. I inquired whether he thought conclusion peace would cause internal difficulties in Jordan. He reiterated peace will produce stability not contrary.
- (4)
- I stressed importance to Israel of peace with Arab state and asked if Israel not able advance proposals more favorable to Jordan and strengthen King’s position. Dayan claimed Israel now made maximum possible concessions; gone much further than first anticipated; terms especially Jordan sovereignty over corridor certain to shape country.
- (5)
- Made following incidental statements: Samir Pasha Rifai expected become next Jordan Prime Minister. Corridor to Mediterranean Sea as envisaged by Israel limited to road and narrow stretch on either side. Israel considered corridor exchange for Jewish quarter old city. If Jordan preferred territory other than corridor and willing accept free zone in Haifa, Israel prepared negotiate this basis. Because pressure orthodox opinion Israel must have Jewish quarter old city [Page 1561] and corridor linking it to Jewish sections appears only possible arrangement.
Sent Department 703, repeated Tel Aviv 140, Baghdad 76, Beirut 36, Damascus 97, Jidda 19, London 71; Department pass Amman 80, Cairo 53.
Burdett