Office of the Historian

867N.01/3–2449: Telegram

The Chargé in Transjordan (Stabler) to the Secretary of State

secret
niact
Amman, March 24, 1949—4 p. m.

most immediate

129. Legtels 126 and 127, March 23. King informed this morning that agreement between Transjordan and Israel re Iraqi front area was signed last night at Shuneh but that final clause was inserted to effect that agreement is subject to ratification by Transjordan Prime Minister. Ratification must be communicated to Israel Government in writing not later than March 30 or agreement is null and void. (Immediately following telegram contains summary agreement.1)

Apparently King told Transjordan representatives that if they could find suitable means to postpone final action, this course had his approval. Consequently Transjordan representatives indicated to Israelis they could not commit Transjordan Government to this agreement without approval Prime Minister. Israelis thereupon agreed to final clause.

Israelis also agreed to several other minor modifications—dates of implementation stages; manner of withdrawal Iraqi forces; insertion Articles 8 and 9. In addition they agreed to modification in adjustment of territory on western front (fourth paragraph No. 2 Legtel 126) whereby line would end at Budrus (No. 149153) which is junction between Legion and Iraqis, not Rantis. On east front (fourth paragraph No. 3, Legtel 126) line will run somewhat east of Qaun (MR 194201) instead of west.

Israelis all clearly indicated that if agreement in present form not ratified, they would advise Legion not to take over Iraqi front. If they did so, Israel would not be responsible for consequences.

While at first His Majesty seemed satisfied that final action on agreement had been postponed, he later appeared to have qualms lest postponement result in creation new difficulties, re both Israel and Iraq. He wished to settle question once and for all as decision to postpone final concurrence in agreement might prolong situation. However, he would let matter stand as now and would discuss it with Prime Minister on latter’s return from Beirut Friday or Saturday.

Sent Department 129; repeated Baghdad 27, Beirut 24 for US Del PCC; pouched Jerusalem.

Stabler
  1. Infra.↩