867N.01/12–2949: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
918. At my request, Shiloah was at residence an hour December 28. Ford and Herlitz present.
Shiloah said last Israel–Jordan meeting December 23 had been “sticky” because Samir had reverted to “completely unacceptable demands for cession Negev or of corridor so wide as to divide Israel.”
Shiloah guesses Samir’s earlier lesser demands may have been maneuver with intention finally demand Negev. If this be explanation, Shiloah “favors suspending negotiations.” He asked [suggested?] that Jordan’s stiffening might be result Samir’s desire wait on developments in Syria.
Again Shiloah discerned “no UK adverse” influence in talks unless perhaps before beginning of series talks UK had insisted on “secure land bridge from sea to Persian Gulf.”
Re Syria, Shiloah reiterated with great emphasis his conviction Abdullah and Iraq are studying union moves which would “upset whole Middle East precarious balance. Egypt and Saudi Arabia would react strongly and Israel could not be expected remain quiescent.” In answer my question whether Israel’s objections would be less if union were won “peacefully and through will of peoples,” Shiloah replied, “there is no possibility Syrian-Iraqi and Jordan peoples would be allowed express selves on union. In any case, Israel would regard union as dangerous to Israel’s security and as challege to Middle East peace.”
Comment: Ford and I agree that in above Shiloah is expressing firm views of his government based on sincere concern lest union jeopardize Israel’s hopes move gradually towards peace through bilateral negotiations. End comment.
Sent Department 918, repeated Baghdad 62, Beirut 92, Damascus 67, Jerusalem 109, Jidda 42, London 156; Department pass Amman 73, Cairo 84.