501.BB Palestine/7–149: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
451. US proposals for negotiations in MAC on Jerusalem problems discussed yesterday with Dayan. From his comments believe Sharett rejected plan for following reasons:
- 1.
- Would constitute admittance by Israel that agreement not possible on questions in article 8 of armistice; that Jordan no longer bound to carry out article 8 if agreement not also reached on broader questions mentioned in US proposal. Would thus nullify section of armistice which Israel feels grants it important right.
- 2.
- Known position of US on territorial settlement. Discussion of delimitation of zones would only mean Israel giving territory and receiving very little in return.
- 3.
- Might indirectly involve acquiescence in international regime for Jerusalem to which Israel firmly opposed.
Dayan suggested Sharett might consider direct talks on permanent Jerusalem agreement between Israel and Jordan under chairmanship of third party outside of terms of reference and machinery of armistice. He added such talks might consider whole question of peace treaty with Jordan since very difficult reach settlement on Jerusalem when boundary line and other points regarding remainder of Palestine not determined. In these talks permanent arrangements regarding Latrun, Scopus, and other questions mentioned in article 8 could be reached but without affecting agreement already reached in principle for duration of armistice.
Above approach might accomplish most objectives US proposals but might well conflict with work of PCC, develop into direct peace talks between Israel and Jordan and even if acceptable to Jordan encounter opposition from other Arab states.
Sent Dept 451, repeated Geneva 44, Amman 43, Tel Aviv 69.