867N.01/5–2649: Telegram
The Chargé in Transjordan (Stabler) to the Secretary of State
216. British Minister informed this morning that King had received other message from Sassoon through Transjordan Minister Paris to effect that as Lausanne Conference not appear to be making progress toward peace settlement it would be desirable for Transjordan and Israel to undertake separate negotiations immediately. Prime Minister has taken line in which King apparently has acquiesced that separate negotiations while Lausanne Conference proceeding undesirable and Sassoon has been so informed. If Lausanne Conference fails, then matter of separate negotiations can be discussed again.
Kirkbride also told me that he had received personal note from King stating that postponement separate negotiations all very well but what would he do if Israelis attacked him. HM did not understand how French could supply arms and ammunition to Syria which not only did not have treaty with French but also did not have armistice, while UK refused give arms to Transjordan which had both treaty and armistice. Kirkbride commented that “Man in street” in Transjordan beginning grow restive about this situation. He has put matter up again with British Foreign Office. Comment—King has on numerous occasions mentioned to me possibility lifting arms embargo as result signature armistice. There is also some apprehension amongst people as to future if Israelis should choose use aggressive [Page 1057] means to satisfy their demands. While criticism of US and UK continues, no increase in intensity has been noticed recently. End comment.1
Sent Department 216; repeated London 40, Bern for USDel PCC 7; Jerusalem 103, Damascus 41.
- Mr. Wright of the British Foreign Office discussed the question of ending or relaxing the arms embargo in the Middle East with Messrs. Hare, Kopper, and Jones at London on May 24. He noted that “Defense talks with Egyptians have begun but latter insist on early arms supply and it is abundantly clear UK cannot hope make progress with Egypt without some arms deliveries. Since Syria getting arms from France, and Israel from various sources, Foreign Office believes continuance strict US–UK observance embargo is becoming more and more futile and damaging to vital US–UK interests in Egypt. Both Transjordan and Iraq are also pressing for arms and Trevelyan of British Embassy Baghdad, coming London present Iraqi case for arms.” (Telegram 2043, May 25, 8 p. m., from London, 867N.113/5–2549)↩