867N.01/6–849: Telegram
The Chargé in Jordan (Stabler) to the Secretary of State
236. Legtel 217, May 26. During call on King this morning I asked him whether there had been any further developments re Sassoon’s message. HM indicated that Transjordan Minister Paris had been instructed to reply to Sassoon’s message that Transjordan Government considered Israel’s demand that Transjordan troops leave Palestine without prejudice to Transjordan rights in Arab Palestine and that while Transjordan interested in reaching peace agreement it not interested in direct negotiations. (Foreign Minister had earlier told me that Transjordan Government had summarily rejected Sassoon’s proposal.) In reporting his talk with Sassoon as result above instructions, Transjordan Minister Paris said Sassoon had proposed that Transjordan and Israel agree on peace terms calling for following boundaries: (a) Northern and southern boundaries to follow old international frontiers; and (b) East-West boundary to follow present armistice lines with adjustments in Jerusalem and Latrun areas. Israel unwilling give up any area it now holds, but would be willing consider return certain refugees to Ramie and Lydda which would remain under Israeli sovereignty. King said this of course not acceptable.
At this point, I conveyed to HM Department’s views as expressed in Deptel 72, June 1. King listened attentively and indicated his [Page 1098] agreement these views. However, he pointed out that there are only two courses of action to be followed in settling Palestine question—either peace or war. HM does not want war and is desirous of reaching peace settlement. But if US unable to bring about just and reasonable peace, then US must not deny him right to have arms and ammunition for self-defense. He reiterated that US could be sure that these arms and munitions would be used for self-defense only.
HM then referred to Israeli attack evening June 6 in “Hill of Evil Counsel” area Jerusalem1 as evidence Israeli intentions not peaceful. He expressed concern re possibility Israelis planned take further aggressive action Jerusalem. Transjordan Government had requested Gen. Riley come to Jerusalem and he expected there this morning.
(King’s Chamberlain later said special committee meeting scheduled for June 7 had been called off pending settlement situation growing out of Israeli attack.)
Sent Department 236, repeated Bern 16 (for USDel PCC), Jerusalem 112.
- Chargé Stabler,
on June 8, reported information from Jordanian sources that an
Israeli detachment had moved into the Arab College and
Agricultural School near Government House and had placed
minefields and barbed wire along the northern and western
approaches to Government House and that General Riley had
referred the matter to Mr. Bunche as a violation of the
Israeli-Jordanian Armistice. Similar sources also informed the
Charge that a number of shooting incidents had occurred in the
triangle area. Mr. Stabler “strongly” recommended that the
Department urge restraint on the Israeli Government and that the
Conciliation Commission hasten implementation of the proposed
plan of action regarding the Special Committee, lest peace in
Jerusalem become problematical (telegram 238 from Amman, 501.BB
Palestine/6–849). Regarding the proposed plan, see Unpal 133, June 4, to Bern, p. 1090.
The Department, on June 10, expressed to the U.S. Delegation at Lausanne its serious concern about the Chargé’s report and “strongly” urged it to “consider possibilities PCC exerting control over this situation before recess.” (Unpal 143 to Bern, 501.BB Palestine/6–1049) Mr. Hare replied, on June 13, that “USDel does not believe PCC is either in practical or official position to exert control over situation referred to in Unpal 143. … PCC has neither the organization at Lausanne or Jerusalem to handle such matter. Even if PCC could handle, GA resolution December 11 makes no provision for its jurisdiction of matters arising under truces or armistices pending transference such function by SC to PCC.” (Palun 199 from Lausanne, 501.BB Palestine/6–1349)
Consul Burdett, on June 8, advised that Israeli seizures near Government House “now considered by Consulate General serious and carefully planned Israeli move” and that the Arabs had immediately protested to the United Nations and had stated that they would not attend further meetings of the Mixed Armistice Commission until Israeli troops were withdrawn. Mr. Burdett expressed himself as being “convinced strongest measures should be taken to force withdrawal Israeli troops from Govt House area. UN now faced with complete cessation negotiations in Jerusalem and probable repercussions at Lausanne. … fact Israel able carry through such move with impunity will only make final settlement much more difficult by demonstrating again to Arabs unwillingness UN curb Israel and by enticing Israel to further such acts.” (telegram 402 from Jerusalem, 867N.01/6–849)
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