501.BB Palestine/2–2449: Telegram
Mr. Wells Stabler to the Secretary of State
72. Defense Minister confirmed this morning delay in departure of Transjordan armistice delegation to Rhodes. Said delegation has definite instructions to consider armistice questions only and to inform [Page 768] Israelis that any matter beyond scope armistice will have be referred back to Transjordan Government with view possible consideration later in connection PCC. Transjordan Government believes it would be mistake rush into peace settlement discussions at Rhodes and that more reasonable and lasting agreement could be reached by proceeding slowly toward ultimate objective under aegis PCC. Indicated again that Transjordan Government hoped PCC would soon be brought into discussions.
Re Iraqi position on armistice Defense Minister said Transjordan delegation prepared inform Israelis, if subject raised, that agreement reached by Transjordan Government will also extend to Iraqi areas but that Transjordan delegation unable commit itself in writing on this. Understanding re Iraqi areas will have to be in nature “gentleman’s agreement.” Fawzi Pasha believed Iraqis would abide by such agreement. Delimitation armistice lines in Iraqi area should not prove difficult as present front lines approximate desired lines of territorial settlement.1
Said PCC had proposed meeting of Arab states at Beirut March 21. Arab League Council also proposed hold meeting end of March at Cairo but felt this would be without practical result.
Sent Department 72; repeated Baghdad 15; pouched Jerusalem.
- Mr. Stabler, on February 25, reported information that the Iraqi Defense Minister had telephoned to the Iraqi Minister at Amman to inquire whether the latter had issued a denial that the Transjordanian Delegation at Rhodes would also speak for Iraq. The Minister was alleged to have “replied such not possible in view existing relationships with King and that matter would settle itself at Rhodes where Transjordan delegation will be unable present to Israelis, if they request it, written ‘power of attorney’ from Iraq Government.” (Telegram 73 from Amman, 501.BB Palestine/2–2549)↩