501.BB Palestine/2–1249: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
134. Palun 38. [From Ethridge.] Commission drove down to Jericho yesterday for a formal meeting and luncheon with Tawfik Pasha, Transjordan Prime Minister. After exchange greetings [Page 745] Boisanger as Commission Chairman explained UN GA had given Commission its task for general purposes of bringing parties to Pales tine conflict together and re-establish Palestine peace. Commission would be interested to ascertain Transjordan’s general views and specifically its attitude re Jerusalem holy places, refugees and certain economic matters.
General: Prime Minister replied Transjordan had always been careful to preserve peace. Since establishment Transjordan 27 years ago its objective had been peace. It had never expressed eccentric or fanatical views and even now wanted real peace settlement. Boisanger replied Commission’s goal was also peace and wondered whether Transjordan would support general peace conference between Israel and Arab states. Ethridge raised question whether general or separate peace conference would be preferable. Prime Minister believed past experience showed, based on previous cooperative meetings with Jews, separate peace conference would be more productive as to results. Yalcin inquired whether Transjordan would be free to conclude with Commission’s assistance separate peace arrangements even if one or more Arab states would object and if Commission extended its assistance would Transjordan follow through. Prime Minister strongly responded Transjordan desired pursue practical policy and stated Transjordan was ready in spite of any other states policy or influence it might exert to act freely and separately. Prime Minister did not think it even necessary to have general peace conference re such questions as refugees as Transjordan itself was willing, with outside assistance, to settle problem.
Jerusalem: Prime Minister stated Jews would try to keep those areas at present under their control. Arabs, on other hand, have in habited Jerusalem for 1300 years. If, however, Jews want to stay in Jerusalem, Arabs want to take back those Arab areas which Jews took without fighting prior to May 14. (Prime Minister as well as Colonel Abdullah Tel, Transjordan military commander Jerusalem, strongly stress this point, emphasizing Jews took wide areas Arab Jerusalem before termination British mandate without fighting.) Boisanger explained Commission has specific instructions from UN GA to prepare detailed proposals re internationalization Jerusalem, that Commission has recently established committee to study question and that it hoped Transjordan would cooperate. Prime Minister replied he had been expecting Commission express this desire re Jerusalem but wondered how internationalization would be implemented by UN. According to charter UN must send forces. If no forces, permanent members must consult and send forces but as other nations do not want Jews in Palestine no forces would be sent. Boisanger replied Commission was not persuaded international force was necessary because good [Page 746] will on both sides could accomplish same purpose. Prime Minister replied he could not contest this argument but that only time would show whether Jews would agree.
Holy places: Prime Minister explained these areas have always been under Arab protection and that many difficult problems arising among different religious sects have been solved by Arabs. Arabs desire and want to keep right to protect these areas. Arabs would give full guarantees if under their control. Boisanger replied Commission could not contest Arab record in safeguarding holy places.
Refugees: Prime Minister expressed hope every refugee would be able to return to his own home and to settle on his land. Those refugees in Syria and Lebanon should for example, be permitted to return but if their property was gone they could settle in Transjordan. If Jews refuse, refugees should be repatriated and indemnified. Other Arab states are not willing to keep refugees who themselves wish to return to Palestine. Transjordan will welcome refugees in Transjordan or in Arab Palestine, Transjordan is inclined believe indemnity for Arab property in Jewish territory should be paid into general fund for resettlement rather than to individuals who may squander it. Transjordan Government may require international loan to assist resettlement as government is not strong financially.
Negev: Prime Minister voluntarily stated Transjordan wanted very much to have port on eastern Mediterranean. It specifically wanted Gaza and land access thereto. Transjordan would use every influence to accomplish this purpose. Arab Legion had not yet finished war and might have to resort to war to obtain.
Armistice negotiations: Prime Minister stated Iraq has not yet reached stage discussing peace but inclined to conclude armistice. Nuri Pasha, Iraqi Prime Minister, has delegated Transjordan to act for Iraq in armistice talks. Iraqi Army would then be able to withdraw from central Palestine. Transjordan Prime Minister considered armistice negotiations concluded in this fashion would meet problem of Iraqi public opinion re Palestine conflict.
Commission thanked Prime Minister for frank expression Transjordan attitude observing that while not all his conditions appeared acceptable, his views in general were sound and had created favorable impression. Tentative plans were made for second meeting at Amman with King Abdullah following Commission’s return from Cairo and Jidda. Prime Minister hoped conclusion to Palestine question would be reached at that meeting.
Sent Department 134, repeated Amman 12. [Ethridge.]