501.BB Palestine/3–2049: Telegram
The Chargé in Transjordan (Stabler) to the Secretary of State
121. This afternoon at Shuneh King said that last night he had received Colonel Dayan, Israeli Major whom he described as Sharett’s secretary, and Abdullah Tel to discuss Israeli proposals re Arab Legion [Page 852] taking over Iraqi frontier (Legtel 118, March 18). He indicated meeting was friendly. Israelis said there were several territorial adjustments to be made in “Arab triangle” area but they would not insist they be made at this time. Israelis mentioned certain “high places” but did not specify. King said it was understood such adjustments would await peace settlement. According to His Majesty Dayan then drafted proposals re this matter which agreed to Legion taking over and postponed until later territorial adjustments. Dayan said he would return Tel Aviv with draft and would give King formal answer Israeli Government March 21 at 1800 hours. Meanwhile Abdullah Tel has gone to Beirut to discuss matter with Transjordan Prime Minister.
King seemed pleased by progress meeting and indicated he had told Israelis he prepared work with them for peace but that their frequent changes of heart made it difficult. Re this said that previously Israel wanted Iraqi Army leave Palestine and he had worked toward this end at H–3 meeting with Iraqi Regent and Prime Minister. Now, however, when this almost accomplished Israel appeared to be placing obstacles in the way.
Later this afternoon Glubb gave additional details these conversations as result his meeting with King and Abdullah Tel this morning at Shuneh. Dayan apparently told King Israelis would require road from coast Tafula and several high points along railroad in Tulkarm area. However, he specifically stated that Tulkarm and Qalquiliya would not be involved and would remain Arab. At this point Abdullah Tel said it would be difficult for Transjordan vis-à-vis other Arab states and Palestine Arabs to take over frontier and immediately make territorial adjustments in favor Israel. Dayan allegedly replied Israel Government understood this and therefore would only request Transjordan Government sign paper agreeing to certain territorial adjustments which would not be put into effect until several months after take over.
While it will not be known until tomorrow whether meetings will result in solution to problem, some speculation exists here that Israel, having ascertained King’s attitude favorable certain adjustments, may make excessive demands.1
Sent Department repeated Baghdad 21, Beirut 18 for USDel.
- In the afternoon of March 21, Transjordan agreed to the proposals under which Transjordan would take over the Iraqi front. Abdullah el-Tel, at 9 p. m., the same day met at Jerusalem with the Israelis who gave their approval to the proposals (telegram 122, March 22, 10 a. m., from Amman, 501.BB Palestine/3–2249).↩