867N.01/2–749: Telegram
Mr. Wells Stabler to the Secretary of State
53. During long talks this afternoon King reviewed his relations with Jews prior and subsequent to end of mandate and said his principal desire now as before was to reach understanding with them on Palestine question. Still felt it was to Jews’ advantage to have only [Page 733] Transjordan and Lebanon on their borders. This could be accomplished if Egyptians were kept out of Palestine and if firm and lasting peace were made with Transjordan. Talks toward that end are still continuing between Transjordan and Israel and King said that up to this time he has had no cause for not being optimistic as to their outcome. While he admitted that mutual suspicion still exists, he hoped it would be possible to reach understanding directly with Jews prior to formal armistice talks, but if not, certainly prior to formal peace negotiations. Formal talks would be mere public confirmation of agreement. With this in mind he is anxious to remove any possible point of friction between himself and Jews. He assumed Conciliation Commission would sanction agreement reached directly.
His Majesty pointed out that status of Jerusalem is giving him cause for alarm since Jews apparently insisting their part should become capital of Israel. Such insistence can only create suspicion on part of Transjordan that Jews intend expand further. King said he would not object if Jews wished construct defenses along corridor from Tel Aviv up to Jerusalem and station any number of troops there but to permit them make Jerusalem capital would be permanent threat in direction Jericho. Best solution would be autonomy for Arab and Jewish areas of city with complete demilitarization and with neutral zone between. Both parties would retain specific number police. However Jews now propose settlement which through retention Scopus area would be constant threat to Transjordan’s position in city.
I inquired whether specific reference to Jerusalem problem alone suggested other points at issue agreed on or nearly so. King said no but most recent meeting with Sassoon and Dayan indicated contact closer. In view this, asked if reference to Jerusalem question suggested he was considering Jerusalem settlement apart from overall arrangement. King replied he thought Jerusalem key to whole problem and that it could not be treated separately.
His Majesty remarked his one wish was to finish Palestine question soonest and with honor and assured that if there was any break between himself and Jews, it would not be his fault. Added that in fact he had more to worry about from other Arab States than from Jews.
King finally expressed hope that United States use its influence to persuade Jews he is serious in his intent reach understanding and that they need have no fear from his side. He also hoped United States would not permit Jews to establish Jerusalem as Israel capital. Stated that in such matters he turned to United States and UK for guidance and support. Since United Nations involved others (Russia), he preferred not deal through that body of which he also not member.
Informed King that while his views would be conveyed to United States Government, must remember United States is member United [Page 734] Nations and Conciliation Commission and would work through those bodies for settlement Palestine problem. Re Jerusalem said that United States still on record as supporting internationalization city but thought that if Transjordan and Israel could reach understanding on question which was sanctioned by Conciliation Commission, probable it would be confirmed by United Nations.
Sent to Department 53, pouched Jerusalem.